Protandry in the freshwater shrimp, Paratya curvirostris (Heller, 1862) (Decapoda: Atyidae), with a review of the phenomenon and its significance in the Decapoda

Abstract

Paratya curvirostris (Heller, 1862) (Decapoda: Atyidae) is the first member of its family found to be protandrous. Reappraisal of published information on Atya bisulcata, Atya serrata and Caridina richtersi indicates that they are also protandrous. The occurrence and biology of protandry in the Decapoda is reviewed. Analysis of available data suggests that protandry has no adaptive value and its frequency in these Crus:tacea is a result of the ease with which decapod reproductive physiology can be modified to produce the phenomenon.