Morphology of the ovotestis of a hermaphroditic teleost, Serranus auriga (Osteichthyes: Serranidae)

Abstract

Histological examinations of gonads of Serranus auriga confirmed that always is a functional simultaneous hermaphrodite with external fertilizing. Sections of the gonads revealed that the dominant tissue was ovarian and each lobe was covered by smooth muscle and connective tissue, the tunica albuginea. The presence, in mature individuals, of hydrated oocytes and sperm within the ovotestis suggested the possibility of external self-fertilization. Descriptions based on microscopic examinations of ovarian and testicular tissues are given.