Mucus-secreting Glands in the Paragnaths and second Maxillipeds of the Banana Prawn, Penaeus merguiensis de Man

Abstract

Glands are abundant in the paragnaths and distal endopod segments of the second maxillipeds of Penaeus merguiensis. Seven gland types have been identified and their secretions differentiated into acidic sulfated mucopolysaccharides and carboxylated mucopolysaccharides. In the paragnaths secretions are discharged through groups of pores on the oral and aboral surfaces, and in the second maxillipeds through a dense row of pores on the aboral surface at the propodus-dactylus articulation. Glands are not sexually dimorphic and glandular morphology does not change during the moult cycle. Glandular products probably have a role in feeding by lubricating large particles and entangling particulate matter in mucus.