Sexual development in the male Eastern Spiny Lobster (Sagmariasus verreauxi): the sex determination mechanism and ongoing regulation of sexual differentiation

The role of the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) has been extensively characterised in the decapod Crustacea as being that responsible for male sexual differentiation and maturation. In particular IAG has been of significant interest due to its application in the production of monosex population culture in commercially important decapod species. The Eastern spiny lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi, endemic to south- east Australia, is one such commercially valued species, with a growing potential in aquaculture. This work has therefore explored the regulation of male sexual development in S. verreauxi, both to aid its own culture practices and as a model for the Order. Throughout, we have employed the de novo assembled S. verreauxi transcriptome, undertaking a synergy of broad-scale and targeted transcriptomic methods to generate a more cohesive understanding of the regulation of male sexual development.; Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2017.