A Hermaphroditic Specimen of Weathervane Scallop, Patinopecten caurinus, in Alaska

Abstract

Hermaphroditism in sea scallops is a relatively rare phenomenon. Observations on two hermaphroditic specimens of Placopecten magellanicus have been documented in the literature. Recent studies on the weathervane scallop, Patinopecten caurinus, in Alaska, have resulted in the discovery of a single hermaphroditic individual from sexual examination through dissection of more than 25,000 individuals over a 3-year study period. The specimen appeared to be a functional hermaphrodite, as both male and female follicules containing well-developed eggs and sperms were clearly evident from microscopic examination. Shell examination showed the animal had formed seven annual rings indicating the animal had spawned more than one season, since weathervane scallops mature after formation of the third annual ring.