1 research outputs found
Male reproductive system in Neorossia caroli
The male reproductive system of the bobtail squid Neorossia caroli (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) is described in
detail, based on observations of 90 mature males caught from 500 to 1600m depth in Sardinian waters (western
Mediterranean Sea). Reproductive organs in mature specimens accounted for up to 6% of total body weight.
Of this, 70% was represented by the spermatophoric complex. Up to 83 spermatophores were found inside the
Needham’s sac. Mean spermatophore length was 16.7 mm. Sperm mass, cement body, and ejaculatory apparatus
represented 63.2%, 13.1%, and 23.7% of the total spermatophore length, respectively. Inverted spermatophores,
empty spermatophore sheaths, and spermatangia were also found in the sac, and their presence is discussed.
Spermatangia implanted in several parts of the bodies of males (e.g., head, funnel, and eyes) were recorded and
their occurrence is discussed. The spermatophoric reaction was induced in the laboratory by submerging
spermatophores in seawater, and it is described briefl