The appearance and distribution of dense-core vesicles in the stomatogastric ganglion of the spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Following five fixation techniques, three types of dense-core vesicles were identified on the basis of size and morphology. Type-I vesicles are found in a distinct neuronal fiber system that appears to be involved in chemical transmission within the ganglion. Type-II vesicles occur in nerve processes in the ganglion, in major nerve trunks and in the perineural sheath of the nerves and ganglion. Type-III vesicles are present in all neuronal somata of the ganglion. The distinct morphology and location of the three types of vesicles suggest that their functional roles differ. Furthermore, the histochemical, biochemical and physiological data available for the stomatogastric ganglion indicate that Type-I vesicles may store dopamine.