Relationship between Development of Secondary Sex Characters and Androgenic Gland in Macrobrachium idella (Hilgendorf)

Sherine S. Cubelio; Thampy D.M.

doi:10.56093/ft.v39i1.17936

Authors

Sherine S. Cubelio School of Marine Sciences, Foreshore Road, Cochin
Thampy D.M. College of Fisheries, Kerala Agricultural University, P.O. Panangad, Cochin

https://doi.org/10.56093/ft.v39i1.17936

Keywords:

Secondary sex characters, androgenic gland, Macrobrachium idella Polymorphism has been reported among crustaceans in general and freshwater prawns in particular. Henderson & Mathai (1910) noticed dimorphism in the second chelipeds of males in three specie

Abstract

The secondary sex characters such as length of cheliped, length of appendix masculina and number of spines on it, and the width of vas deferens are under the control of the androgenic gland and have no relationship with the body size of the prawn, Macrobrachium idella. Of the 30 individuals randomly selected, 22 had a body length to cheliped length ratio below 1:1.5. The size of the androgenic gland and appendix masculina were not fully developed in them, indicating that they are reproductively inactive. Remaining 8 individuals, having a body length to cheliped length ratio above 1:1.5, had well-developed androgenic gland and appendix masculina showing that there is positive correlation between the biomass of androgenic gland and the degree of development of secondary sex characters