Comparative ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of three crayfish species: Austropotamobius torrentium, Pacifastacus leniusculus, and Astacus astacus (Decapoda: Astacidae)

• DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20132
• Publication Date: 2013-03-08T15:19:46Z
• Authors: Hamid Niksirat; Antonín Kouba; Marek Rodina; Pavel Kozák
• Keywords: Astacus; Pacifastacus; Spermatozoon; Gerrymandering

Abstract This study reports about the spermatozoal ultrastructure of three species astacid crayfish, i.e., stone crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium , signal Pacifastacus leniusculus and noble Astacus astacus . The acrosome is a cup shaped electron‐dense structure at anterior spermatozoon comprises layers differing electron densities filled with parallel filaments that extend from base to apical zone. was significantly longer in A than P shortest belongs width narrower widest A. L:W ratio greater lowest Radial arms are visible on each side or nucleus sagittal view wrap around spermatozoon. Each radial arm bundle microtubules arranged along long axis within sheath. nucleus, decondensed material, located posterior cell. All parts tightly enclosed an extracellular capsule. Despite well‐conserved general similarity pattern among these spermatozoa, differences dimensions studied may be useful help distinguish different species. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.