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Testis-Ova In Spawning Blue Tilapia, Oreochromis Aureus, B. Clark, H.J. Grier

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Hermaphroditism characterized by the presence of oocytes in the testes is described in the blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus, for the first time. Testis-ova were observed in three of 24 spawning males exhibiting otherwise normal male morphology. The testis-ova appeared non-vitellogenic and lacked a follicle cell layer. It is speculated that the testis-ova did not become vitellogenic due to their association with Sertoli cells and the hormonal environment of the male.