XV.—Hermaphroditism in the Herring (Clupea harengus L.)

Abstract

SynopsisFour specimens of hermaphrodite herring are described. In three, the male portion of the gonad was at a later stage of development than the female; in the fourth both portions were fully mature and eggs and sperm were being shed together. The additional muscle block characteristic of the cloacal region of the male herring was present, but much reduced, in the two hermaphrodite fish which were examined for this character. The time difference in the maturation rates of the male and female portions is discussed in relation to the pituitary control of gametogenesis.