Germ cell development and cyclic changes in the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle of the male rapa whelk, Rapana venosa, were investigated by cytological and histological observations. The process of germ cell development can be classified into five stages: (1) spermatogonial, (2) primary spermatocyte, (3) secodary spermatocyte, (4) spermatid, and (5) spermatozoon. In particular, four atypical cells (Type IA, IB, IIA and IIB cells) occur among normal germ cells in the acini during spermatogenesis. Presumably, the atypical cells, which have lysosome-like vacuoles or lysosome-like bodies in the cells, are involved in breakdown and absorption themselves in the acini. However, atypical cells were not found in the epithelial cells of the inner layer of the seminal vesicle. A considerable amount of spermatozoa are transported from the testis towards the the seminal vesicles until late July. The main coupulation period is between June and July. The process of the cyclical changes of the seminal vesicles can be classified into three phases: (1) resting, (2) accumulating, and (3) spent. Yellow granular bodies are involved in resorption or digestion of residual spermatozoa.

We investigated fecundities in egg capsules and sizes at 50% of group sexual maturities in female Rapana venosa in three different salinity concentration regions (S-1, S-2, and S-3). In three different salinities, egg capsule heights, the number of egg capsules and the number of eggs and embryos were remarkably increased with the increase of female shell heights (or ages) and also increased with the increase of salinity concentrations. Heights of egg capsules, the number of egg capsules and fecundities (the number of eggs and embryos) were the maximum at S-1 (Gwangyang Bay (average 31.5 psu)) and the minimum at S-3 (the upper reaches of Seomjin River (average 15.5 psu)). Total numbers of fecundities of R. venosa individual -1 year -1 were about 1x10 6 at S-1 region, about 8x10 5 at S-2 region, and about 2x10 5 at S-3 region. Rates (50%) of individuals reaching first sexual maturities in three different salinity regions (S-1, S-2 and S-3) were over 50% in females measuring 7.1-8.0 cm in shell height (considered to be two years old), and 100% in those > 10.1 cm (considered to be five years old). Biological minimum sizes (RM50) in females in three different regions are 72.0 mm SH at S-1 region, 70.9 mm SH at S-2 region, and 74.6 mm SH at S-3 region, respectively. Exceptionally, smaller individuals (considered to be one year old) were participated in reproduction.