Aparato Reproductor Masculino de Nantis indefessus (Teleostei, Characiformes)

MARINARO S.; MIRANDE J.M.; MANGIONE M.

Huerta Grande, Córdoba.

Otro; Primera Reunión Conjunta de Sociedades de Biología de la República Argentina; 2007

Sociedades de Biología de la República Argentina

Male Reproductive apparatus of Nantis indefessus (Teleostei, Characiformes) Marinaro S., Mirande J. M., Mangione M. Fund. Miguel Lillo Introduction: The presence of insemination (internal fertilization) in some species of “clade A” presents interesting questions respecting the phylogenetic pattern of insemination in Characidae. The genus Nantis, that would be included in this clade, presents external morphological features agreeing with insemination. This possibility, and its unknown phylogenetic position make interesting the study of its reproductive biology. Objectives: To determine reproductive structures in males and to stablish the possibility of insemination. Methodology: Sexually mature males of Nantis indefessus from “La Caldera” river, province of Salta, were decalcified and processed to optical histology, making sagital and frontal cuts. Then, it were stained with Hematoxilina-eosina and  Gallego’s Trichromic. Results: The male has testes divided in two portions well defined: a spermatogenic proximally and an aspermatogenic distally. A sperm storage area was found behind the aspermatogenic portion. It presents a paired stucture and has a bilateral conection with the efferent duct. The interior contains aquasperms (spherical structure sperms). Discussion: This species shares with Glandulocaudinae and Stevardiinae, both inseminating, the presence of a paired storage area in testes. Sperms morphology, however, is similar to no inseminating species.