Masculinization of Female Crayfish,Procambarus Clarki(Girard)

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Abstract
Twenty-three immature female crayfish (Procambarus clarki (Girard); carapace length = 8.2–17.9 mm), implanted with androgenic gland implants obtained from P. clarki males, were observed for 326 days for evidence of masculinization. Number of molts completed ranged from three to eight. Of eleven surviving females, three were masculinized as evidenced by the partial transformation of their first pair of pleopods into male-type gonopods. No other evidence of masculinization, either internal or external was seen. Masculinization of the first pair of pleopods was unequal and first noted 290 days post-implantation. We conclude that androgenic gland implantation can induce masculinization of P. clarki females, albeit only with great difficulty. This is the first report of masculinization of female macruran decapods by androgenic gland implantation.

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