Dactyl Close-up Photo

[Isaari]

Please excuse the dirty glass.

 

[Isaari]

While she doesn't eat live food, she does get a dactyl workout on the back of the crab I call Toro (my hair algae mower). Hopefully he'll last long enough to give the tank one more cut.

 

[Gonodactylus]

She is a he. You can clearly see the gonopods (penises) in the photo.

Roy

 

[Isaari]

I appreciate the correction!

 

[jjrock]

Dr. Roy,

Can you please help elucidate what you mean by the gonopods. I have seen the "microscope like" close up you had on there before, but where are we actually looking? I would like to sex both of my mantis shrimps (peacock and unidentified green smasher).

Is there anyway you can take this photo, "Doctor it up" with maybe an arrow pointing to the place where the penis is, because I just don't see it? Don't know where look I guess.

Thanks a ton,
JJ.

 

[jjrock]

Forgot to mention, Isaari, that this is a fantastic photograph. One that I hope you do not mind I add to my collection (will give you credit where credit is due of course).

JJ.

 

[Isaari]

My understanding is they're located in the red circle. Correct me if I'm wrong:

Feel free to use them in your gallery JJrock.

 

[Gonodactylus]

O.K., I've taken the image (hope that is alright with Isaari) and painted in a black arrow pointing to the two gonopods hanging down, one each from the inside base of the last pair of walking legs.

Roy

 

[jjrock]

Fantastic. You guys are great. I have to get a closer look at my beasts to see if I can spot a gonopod.

JJ.

 

[Isaari]

Looks like where I have circled as well. For the sake of interest, I'll try for a better close-up tomorrow assuming he cooperates.

 

[Isaari]

A better look

A better look

As promised:

 

[RogueCorps]

Isaari,

That first pic is awesome...! Looks like someone played around with a highlight airbrush on it, but nope! Stomatopods are just that cool... Thanks!

-Rogue