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| Mating Behaviour |
| The mating behaviour of Paraspadella gotoi is absolutely intriguing. It starts with distance signalling (probably a precaution because they can be cannibalistic), followed by a kind of measuring up behaviour (a common trait in simultaneous hermaphrodites), and ends in a jump to deposit the sperm on the partner. Matings are often reciprocated. For details see the paper by Goto and Yoshida (1985). Note that the Spadella schizoptera described in the paper was later described as Paraspadella gotoi. |
Figure from Goto, T. and Yoshida, M. 1985. The mating sequence of the benthic arrowworm Spadella schizoptera. Biol. Bull. 169: 328-333. |
this page was last updated on Sunday, February 20, 2011 |