Sex Ratio as a Function of Size in Hippa pacifica Dana (Crustacea, Anomura, Hippidae): A Test of the Sex Reversal and Differential Growth Rate Hypotheses

Abstract

The majority of small animals were male, a larger majority of intermediate sizes were male, and all large animals were female. Sex reversal and differential growth rate were examined with respect to this pattern of size-related sex ratio. Rearing of males and histological examination of gonads provided no evidence of sex reversal. Female crabs molted more often than did males and had larger molt increments. These 2 factors could account for the sex ratio pattern observed.