Rattle
The clasps of a wobbegong ( Orectolobus maculatus )
Klaspern ( Pterygopodium, Pteropodium, Mixopterygium ) are the paired mating organs of the male cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes).
Structure of clasps
A klasper is a converted ventral fin that is rolled up in a tubular shape and the ends of which overlap each other. Clumps of sexually mature animals are reinforced by calcium salts .
Function of Klaspern
Klaspern fulfill two functions:
- One pair of a cartilaginous fish is used for reproduction - depending on which side of the body the mating takes place. A clasper is inserted into the female sexual organ in the cloaca , and the sperm flows through the channel in the clasper into the fallopian tube .
- Other pairs of clasps, called clamp organs, are used - if any - to hold the female in place during sexual intercourse .