Hemocytic melanization in shrimp spermatophores

The melanization of shrimp spermatophores caused by a hemocytic infiltration was demonstrated in this study. A 30-day trial was carried out using wild Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis. On days 0, 15 and 30, the spermatophores were manually extruded and used for sperm quality and histological analyses. Survival decreased after the extrusion events, whereas spermatophore melanization percentage increased. An inflammatory process characterized by the presence of hemocytes around and embedded in the connective tissue was identified as the trigger to the spermatophore melanization. The hemocytic infiltration was not observed in the sperm mass, but sperm quality was negatively affected.