protogyny

Protogyny is a state in hermaphroditic systems where female organs develop or mature before the male organs. This characteristic inhibits self-fertilization and is observed in certain plants like apples and pears, as well as in some invertebrate animals.1

Hermaphroditism, the condition of possessing both male and female reproductive organs, is more common in bony fishes than in other vertebrates. In many hermaphroditic species, the male organs mature first (protandry) to ensure cross-fertilization, but in others, like many sea basses, parrotfishes, and wrasses, the female organs mature first (protogyny). This protogynous system is thought to be advantageous because females often have smaller body sizes and thus lower energy requirements for egg production, while males benefit from larger body size and experience for reproduction.23