Spermiogenesis in Coenobita clypeatus, I. Sperm structure

Abstract

The sperm of the tropical land hermit crab, C. clypeatus, has an elongate acrosome anterior to a lamellar region of cytoplasm. Mitochondria near the lamellar region are associated with microtubules. These microtubules project into the 3 cytoplasmic arms. The nucleus occupies the posterior-most position in the sperm. The chromatin is not condensed and numerous projections of nuclear materials are seen. It is not known how the various organelles of the sperm function during fertilization.

Keywords:

• sperm
• spermiogenesis
• land hermit crab
• Coenobita clypeatus