Morphology and development of the female reproductive system of Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823)(Decapoda, Astacidae)

Authors: ÇAĞDAŞ ÜNİŞ, MELİKE BELKIZ ERKAN

Abstract: In this study, the morphology and development of the female reproductive system in Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) were investigated. The trilobed ovary with 2 anterior lobules and only 1 posterior lobule lie dorsally to the gut on the large hepatopancreas. The oviduct extends laterally from the middle part of the ovary and its innermost layer produces 2 different types of secretion. The outermost layer of the ovary consists of a single layer of thin epithelium and a connective tissue under it. Longitudinally and annularly located collagen fibers are present in the connective tissue, and just under it lies a single layer of follicle cells, which surround the oocytes. The germarium containing oogonia is concentrated in the center of the ovarian lobe as a central germinal cluster.

Keywords: Astacidae, crayfish, reproductive biology, ovary

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