Intersexuality of Crassostrea gigas and Ruditapes philippinarum in Southern Coastal Waters of Korea

Objectives : The aim of this study was to verify the intersexuality of Crassostrea gigas and Ruditapes philippinarum in southern coastal waters of Korea. Methods : Specimens of Crassostrea gigas (n=363) were collected from six areas of Tongyeong, Geoje and Yeosu. Ruditapes philippinarum (n=221) was collected from five areas of Yeosu. The sex ratio and intersexuality were determined after observing gonad preparations. Results : The rate of intersexuality in Crassostrea gigas was 16.25%, with females (24.79%; n=30/121) exhibiting a higher rate than males (11.98%; n=29/242). The rate of intersexuality in Ruditapes philippinarum was 24.43%, with females (37.76%; n=37/98) exhibiting a higher rate than males (13.82%; n=17/123). Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that intersexuality is induced by aquatic pollutants such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).