Sex and Inheritance in the Serpulid Pomatoceros triqueter L.

Abstract

DURING an investigation of the colours in Pomatoceros triqueter L., we have found that this species is a protandrous hermaphrodite. The duration of the male phase of the sexual cycle is subject to individual variation. Some individuals pass through the male phase in less than one month, and then quickly change into the female phase. We have seen many of these animals spawn eggs one week after their last discharge of sperms. Other individuals remain males for months; but—so far as we have been able to see until now—they, too, finally change into females. We have never seen females change into males.