Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

The reproductive biology of the warm water squid Loligo duvauceli D'Orbigny : 3. Formation of spermatophore.

Volume 36 Issue 1&2

S. V. M. Abdul Rahim and M. R.Chandran

Abstract

The anterior vasdeferens  (AVD) shows histologically four different regions. The histological details of these regions along with their luminal contents reveal that atleast threenevents are involved during the passage of spermatids through the AVD: (a) Aggregation of spermatids into a ‘coiled rope’ along with the formation of a coat with the help of a granular secretion, (b) subsequent dissolution of the coat with the help of a fluid secretion and (c) Transformation of spermatids into spermatozoans at the distal end of AVD where it enters into the spermatophoric gland aided by the secretion of this gland.

The spermatophoric gland is the most prominent portion of the male reproductive tract. When the outer covering is removed this gland has three lobes, viz ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. The spermatophoric gland reveals the sequential manner in which the spermatophores are formed. The fully mature spermatozoans pass into the ‘sperm tract’ and get concentrated at the blind ends of the diverticula ‘A’. The contributions of the three lobes of the spematophoric gland for the formation of spermatophores are evident. The mid vasdeferens (MVD) plays the role in quick transfer of fully formed spermatophore for effective storage in the Needham’s sac. Though the posterior vasdeferens (PVD) the spermatophorus reach the terminal region of the reproductive tract.

Date : 30-12-1994