Discriminant analysis applied to the sexual groups of Potimirim mexicana, a protandric hermaphrodite shrimp

Abstract

A population of the river shrimp Potimirim mexicana from the Máquinas River in Veracruz, Mexico, was analyzed. The pattern of size distribution by sex in this species suggests that it is a sequential hermaphrodite. A discriminant analysis method applied to establish the subgroups that are part or the population showed the existence of 3 classes: sexually undifferentiated organisms, males and females. Within the male subgroup 3 types or organisms were established depending on the length of the appendix masculina. With this analysis it is confirmed that P. mexicana is a species with sequential hermaphroditism.