Sexual Phases in Prosobranch Mollusks of the Genus Crepidula

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Abstract
The spp. studied, C. plana, C. conyexa, and C. fornicata, are normally protandric, the functional 3 phase usually being reached at an early age. Occasionally this phase is aborted. Contrary to previous reports it was found that association with older or larger individuals is not necessary for the realization of the functional <3 phase, even in C. plana, although such association is usual. The duration of this phase, however, may be greatly abbreviated by relatively slight changes in the individuals'' activities. The sequence of sexual phases could not be reversed and it is concluded that the change from [male] to [female] phase is merely the final stage in the ontogeny of every normal individual.