The male genital system in two species of mysid crustacea.

Abstract

AbstractThe male genital systems of two mysids, Archaeomysis grebnitzkii (subfamily Gastrosaccinae) and Neomysis awatschensis (subfamily Mysinae) are described. The testes of both species include a pair of central cords (spermatogonial cells), two sets of lateral sacs, and a set of dorsal‐lateral spermatidic pouches in which spermiogenesis takes place. Mature sperm exit dorsally from the pouches into a common U‐shaped seminal vesicle, the arms of which extend posteriorly as the right and left vasa deferentia.The emphasis of this study was on the follicle cell‐spermatid relationship. Spermatids retain their own cell membranes as do the follicle cells. A bundle of sperm tails extends toward the follicle cell nucleus making several revolutions about the nucleus. Masses of rodlets occupy this tract with the spermatid tails. The tail consists of an outer cylinder with banding in a periodicity similar to collagen protein, and an inner cavity filled with a structureless, dark‐staining material. Heads of the spermatozoa differ considerably between the two species. The elongate, reflexed head of Neomysis with its central filament joins the tail at an acute angle. The short cylindrical head of Archaeomysis with its anterior hood‐like extension joins the tail directly. The distinctiveness of the sperm types might prove useful for taxonomic purposes. As noted by previous investigators, the number of spermatids per follicle cell shows specificity: Neomysis awatschensis has around 16 spermatids per follicle cell, Archaeomysis grebnitzkii about 100.