Crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons)
In each phylum, the endocrine system between sub-categories varies very little, but between phylum, the differences can be monumental. Unlike the chordates, the arthropods have no pituitary or adrenal glands, instead they have a series of fewer glands. The X-organ, which encompasses the sinus gland is located in the eye stalk of the crustacean. The sinus gland acts as a gateway for hormones into the blood stream. Hormones from the sinus gland influences molding, gonad development, glucose, and water balance. The other organ, the Y-organ, which encompasses the androgenic gland, also located in the eye stalk. The androgenic gland regulates metabolism, heart rate, color changes, and osmoregulation. These crayfish also contain the usual ovaries and testes for reproduction, as almost all animals do. The crayfish secrete hormones into their urine in order to signal a mate, and these hormones are activators for male crayfish to fight and compete over the female.
FUN FACT: 350 of the 500 crayfish species in the world live in the US.
Crayfish Mating Video
FUN FACT: 350 of the 500 crayfish species in the world live in the US.
Crayfish Mating Video