Gonadal structure and gametogenesis in scyllarus ardus (L.) (crustacea, decapoda)

Abstract

The anatomy of male and female gonads, the oogenesis and the spermatogenesis of Scyllarus arctus are described. The different stages of meiosis are characterized by the nuclear behaviour and cell morphology. The storage of fully vitellinized oocytes and the amount of oogonia were observed throughout the year. The relationship between oogonial multiplication and development of the oocytes is described. The development of the spermatogonial ridges was studied; their frequency showed remarkable variations during the year: the periods of maximal spermatogonial division preceded those of maximal amounts of fully vitellinized oocytes. It was possi-blè, therefore, to correlate male production of meiocytes with egg production and release. © 1988 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.