Occurrence of Pseudohermaphroditism in the Rock Crab, Cancer Irroratus Say, 1817, in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada (Decapoda, Brachyura)

Abstract

Nine bisexual rock crabs (Cancer irroratus Say, 1817) were found in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. These individuals, externally male, were determined as pseudohermaphrodites (intersexes), because an incomplete female reproductive system (ovary without oviduct, seminal receptacle, and genital openings) was found among a complete male reproductive system. The cause of the occurrence of bisexuality in this crab is unknown. This is the first record of the occurrence of pseudohermaphroditism in this species.