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Mating behavior of Centropages typicus (Copepoda: Calanoida)

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Abstract

Observations were made on approximately 300 mating couples of Centropages typicus Krøyer. Mating behavior consists of 4 distinct stages: pre-copulation, spermatophore extrusion, copulation, and post-copulation. Successful copulation requires proper positioning of the spermatophore complex on the female urosome and is dependent upon precise movements and orientation of the male during the mating encounter. Sub-optimal mating encounters, resulting in the improper placement of the spermatophore complex, were observed and adaptations tending to reduce spermatophore wastage are discussed.

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Communicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark

Contribution No. 62, Harbor Branch Foundation, Inc.

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Blades, P.I. Mating behavior of Centropages typicus (Copepoda: Calanoida). Marine Biology 40, 57–64 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390628

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390628

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