Functional, Simultaneous Hermaphroditism in Female-Phase Lysmata amboinensis (Decapoda: Caridea: Hippolytidae)

Abstract

Several species of hippolytid shrimp of the genus Lysmata are described as protandrous hermaphrodites, with speculation that some Lysmata are simultaneous hermaphrodites and/or store exogenous sperm. The objective of this study was to ascertain the presence of simultaneous hermaphroditism in L. amboinensis De Man. For this experiment, four pairs of female-phase L. amboinensis were isolated until each shrimp spawned two fertile clutches of eggs. For two of the four pairs, pair-mates were then separated and isolated in an identical fashion. Paired individuals continued to spawn and hatch fertile eggs. Isolated individuals spawned only infertile eggs. Paired shrimp also synchronized their molt cycles in a staggered fashion, such that individuals alternated sexual roles. Histological and morphological examination shows that each female-phase individual possessed an active male and female portion of the gonad with corresponding gonoducts. The results indicate that this species is a functional, simultaneous hermaphrodite. Previously, this pattern has not been adequately described in any decapod crustacean.