Sexuality in Polydactylus indicus (Shaw)

Sexuality and the apparent segregation of sexes of Polydactylus indicus are discussed. This species is a hermaphrodite throughout its life with gonochoristic ovotestis. Visual differentiation of sexes could be misleading; only microsections of gonads reveal the true identity of sexes. When the ovary is active, the testis in the same individual lies dormant and rudimentary and vice versa, leading to an erroneous identification of sexes. The spawning is inshore with one of the sexes dominant and hence are the earlier reports of concentration of one sex In the oxnmercial landings. Gametes retain potency long after exposure, signifying the possibility of artificial fertilization