Table 1 Criteria used to define maturity stages in male and female R. clavata, adapted from Zeiner and Wolf (1993)
Stage | Male characteristics | Female characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Immature | No coiling of vas deferens Testes small and undeveloped Claspers do not extend past posterior edge of pelvic fin | Small undeveloped ovaries and nidamental glands No differentiated ova present |
Maturing | Some coiling of vas deferens Testes enlarging Claspers extend past pelvic fin edge but are only somewhat calcified | Ovaries beginning to enlarge and differentiate Ova white, distinguishable but small Nidamental glands widening but still gelatinous in appearance |
Mature | Complete coiling of vas deferens Large developed testes Calcified claspers | Large yellow (yolked) ova, greater than 2.0Â cm in diameter Large, solid, functional nidamental glands |