Protogynous hermaphroditism in Chrysoblephus laticeps (Cuvier) and C. cristiceps (Cuvier) (Teleostei: Sparidae)

Abstract

A histological study of the gonads of two sparid fishes, Chrysoblephus laticeps and C. cristiceps showed that these species are protogynous hermaphrodites. Both species are also monandric in which all males are derived from functional females. Intersexual individuals were restricted to a narrow size range between females and males, and no evidence for simultaneous hermaphroditism was found. Similar to other sparids, the development of the ovary and testis was delimited by a connective tissue layer.