The hermaphrodite prawn Hippolysmata ensirostris Kemp

Abstract

Based on the presence of male and female reproductive systems in the same individual at all sizes and the functional nature of both the testicular and ovarian parte of the ovo-testis throughout, the prawn Hippolysmata ensirostris belonging to family Bippolytidae is deemed to be a heiroaiphrodilte. The hooks aind welldeveloped cl'Espere at the distal end of the endopodilte of the first pleopod suggest cross fertilization in this species.