Peculiarities of the male urogenital apparatus of two grunt species (Teleostei, Haemulidae) |
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Authors: | M B Rasotto Y Sadovy † |
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Institution: | Dipartimento di Biologia, Universitàdi Padova, via Trieste 75, 35121 Padova, Italy;Department of Zoology, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong |
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Abstract: | An unusual testicular structure in the white grunt, Haemulon plumieri , and the French grunt, H. flavolineatum , and a urinary exocrine gland in H. flavolineatum are described. The testes of both species are comprised predominantly of efferent ducts, with spermatogenetic tissue restricted to the gonadal periphery. The epithelial cells of the efferent ducts produce glycogen which may serve a role in the storage and nutrition of sperm. The urinary gland is a male accessory gland thought to be associated with reproduction. The gland is mesonephric in origin and the epithelial cells of the gland produce mucins which may be involved in intraspecific chemical communication. |
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Keywords: | urogenital apparatus gonads accessory sex organs grunt teleosts |
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