Evaluation of a nonlethal technique for determining sex of freshwater mussels

摘要: AbstractThe shells of most North American freshwater mussel species are not sexually dimorphic. During the brooding period, gravid females can be identified by inspection marsupial gills; however, it is difficult to separate nongravid from males in lacking sexual dimorphism. The ability differentiate throughout year would assist conservation and research. Our objective was test accuracy safety a method determine sex live mussels. We used syringe extract ∼0.2 mL gonadal fluid 67 Elliptio dilatata 65 Actinonaias ligamentina. stained examined microscopically for developing gametes. This safe effective determining After 1 y, survival indistinguishable between control groups both species. sacrificed 4 7 E. A. ligamentina at 3-mo intervals histological sections gonads. Sex assigned examination flu...