Germinal potentialities during sexual state changes in a protandric hermaphrodite, <i>Amphipnon frenatus</i> (Teleostei, Pomacentridae)

Abstract

In Amphiprion frenatus , a protandric hermaphrodite, male sex inversion is characterized by a decrease of spermatogenic activity in the ovotestis followed by a degeneration of male gevm cells and an increase of oogenic activity. Among female germ cells, undifferentiated primordial germ cells (PGCs) were identified; their participation in building up the ovary is suggested. In addition, the unusual association of juveniles with a single adull member or juvenile groupings lacking the presence of a monogamous pair, induced in juveniles the anticipated sex differentiations (in either male or female orientation) in which not only spermatogonia and oogonia but also PGCs are involved.