Peculiarities of the male urogenital apparatus of two grunt species (Teleostei, Haemulidae)

Abstract

An unusual testicular structure in the white grunt,Haemulon plumieri, and the French grunt,H. flavolineatum, and a urinary exocrine gland inH. flavolineatumare described. The testes of both species are comprised predominantly of efferent ducts, with spermatogenetic tissue restricted to the gonadal periphery. The epithelial cells of the efferent ducts produce glycogen which may serve a role in the storage and nutrition of sperm. The urinary gland is a male accessory gland thought to be associated with reproduction. The gland is mesonephric in origin and the epithelial cells of the gland produce mucins which may be involved in intraspecific chemical communication. © 1995 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.