Population biology of Callinectes danae and Callinectes sapidus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Portunidae) in the south-western Atlantic

Author(s):  
Mário José Pereira ◽  
Joaquim Olinto Branco ◽  
Martin Lindsey Christoffersen ◽  
Felipe Freitas ◽  
Hélio Augusto Alves Fracasso ◽  
...  

The capture of crabs of the genus Callinectes is one of the oldest extractive activities practised by waterside communities, due to the abundance of brachyurans along the Brazilian coast. The present paper aimed to provide basic information on the population biology of C. sapidus and C. danae during the period of December 2003 to November 2004, in Babitonga Bay, Joinville, Santa Catarina. The size of the first maturation of C. danae was estimated as 7.1 cm in total carapace width for females, and as 8.6 cm for males. Fecundity of the 20 females of C. danae with carapace width from 7.0 to 11.0 cm varied from 618,667 to 811,267 eggs. Fecundity of C. sapidus was higher, with a median of 978,000 eggs per female, but carapace widths in this species were also larger, with the highest frequency of females attaining 19.01 cm on average. In both species, a tendency was observed for the egg mass to increase with size of females. The capture per unit of effort presented the lowest values in summer, while the largest values occurred from March, August and November. A total of 80 males and 117 females of C. sapidus were captured in the four collecting areas, with the largest abundances in Area III (45.18%), followed by Areas II, IV and I. The size of the first maturation of C. sapidus was estimated as 10.2 cm for females and as 9.0 cm for males. Fishing effort was in relative equilibrium for adult stock (males = 58.75% and females = 52.99%) and juveniles (males = 41.25% and females = 47.01%). The largest monthly rates of biomass of C. sapidus occurred from April to November, with a peak of capture in August, without significant differences in the participation of males and females.

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dyah Ika Nugraheni ◽  
Achmad Fahrudin ◽  
. Yonvitner

<p><em>Fishing effort enhancement would put pressure on blue swimming crab resources and its ecosystem. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution based on the size of the carapace width (CW), abundance, temperature, salinity, depth, and fishing intensity in Pati waters which was divided into two zones (zones 1=nearshore, zone 2=offshore). The result showed that the average of carapace width in zone 1 to zone 2 was significantly different (p &lt;0.05), as well as between males and females. Average number of individual (abundance) was significantly different according to fishing areas and sex (p &lt;0.05). The average of water temperature in zone 1 was higher than in zone 2, salinity in zone 1 was smaller than in zone 2, and the water depth in zone 1 was shallower than in zone 2. The higher the crab catch intensity leaded to the smaller the abundance and size of carapace width. Alternative management strategies were proposed such as to divert fishing grounds from coastal waters to offshore during low productivity season, to uphold rules on minimum legal size for catching (Lm = 107 mm),  to release of berried females catch, and to reduce accretion rate of gear and fishing fleet mainly in the coastal zone waters.</em></p><p><em><strong><em>Keywords:  </em></strong><em>blue swimming crab, carapace widht (CW), abundance, intensity of fishing</em></em></p>


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Canan Bilen ◽  
Irem Yesilyurt

AbstractThe blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is native to the western Atlantic, but is an invasive species in the Mediterranean. This study examined the dynamics of growth in an invasive population of blue crab in the Yumurtalık Cove, Turkey (North Eastern Mediterranean). Growth was quantified using a discontinuous growth model, a molt process model. Crab growth histories were observed for individual crabs held in field enclosures in summer 2010 and 2011. Carapace widths ranged from 14.13 to 80.07 mm. A mean growth per molt of 120.6% increase in carapace width was observed. Chronological inter-molt periods ranging between 3 days and 67 days were observed. The average IMP was 16 days in Yumurtalık Cove. The mean physiological IMP was 270±163 degree-days, ranging from 72–781 degree-days.


Author(s):  
Gustavo Luis Hirose ◽  
Vivian Fransozo ◽  
Carolina Tropea ◽  
Laura S. López-Greco ◽  
Maria Lucia Negreiros-Fransozo

Some crustaceans show variations of their reproductive biology within their geographical distribution, and knowledge about such variations is important for the comprehension of their reproductive adaptations. This study compared two populations of the fiddler crab Uca uruguayensis from two locations on the south-western Atlantic coast: Ubatuba Bay, São Paulo, Brazil and Samborombón Bay, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The population features analysed were the body size variation (carapace width = CW) and the size at the onset of sexual maturity (SOM) in order to test the hypothesis that the size at SOM, should be the same in relative terms (RSOM), independently of the latitudinal position. In the Brazilian population the CW ranged from 4.18 to 11.60 mm for males and 3.90 to 9.80 mm for females, and in the Argentinean population from 3.60 to 14.10 mm for males and 2.85 to 12.00 mm for females. In the Brazilian population the SOM was 7.1 (RSOM = 0.58) and 5.9 mm CW (RSOM = 0.57) for males and females, respectively, and in the Argentinean population it was 7.0 (RSOM = 0.42) and 6.75 mm CW (RSOM = 0.53) for males and females, respectively. This fact is probably related to a great plasticity in the life history features of Uca uruguayensis under different environmental conditions.


2014 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 949-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
CC Silva ◽  
R Schwamborn ◽  
JE Lins Oliveira

The objective of this study was to analyze the population biology and color patterns of Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille, 1828 in a mangrove area in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Crabs were collected monthly between February 2010 and January 2012 and totaled 1,837 individuals. Sex ratios were similar between males and females in the first year and differed in the second. Sex ratios by size class differed statistically in the extremes of the distribution, with an abundance of males in the large size classes. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in carapace width between males and females in the first year, but in the second year, males were larger than females (p = 0.003), showing the importance of considering interannual variation in such studies. Both sexes presented a unimodal distribution. The size of first maturing of the females was 6.00 cm. Asymptotic carapace width for males was 9.4 cm and females for 9.2 cm, using the Wetherall method. There was no defined modal progression, which made the determination of the Von Bertalanffy growth parameter K impossible. Juveniles were found throughout all months of the year, demonstrating that there was no defined period of recruiting, although slightly fewer juveniles were found in the dry season. Four color patterns were observed, the three first patterns were the same for both sexes, while the fourth pattern was observed in females only. The four color patterns identified could be clearly related to the stage of development (size) and sexual maturity of the animal.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dyah Ika Nugraheni ◽  
Achmad Fahrudin ◽  
. Yonvitner

Fishing effort enhancement would put pressure on blue swimming crab resources and its ecosystem. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution based on the size of the carapace width (CW), abundance, temperature, salinity, depth, and fishing intensity in Pati waters which was divided into two zones (zones 1=nearshore, zone 2=offshore). The result showed that the average of carapace width in zone 1 to zone 2 was significantly different (p <0.05), as well as between males and females. Average number of individual (abundance) was significantly different according to fishing areas and sex (p <0.05). The average of water temperature in zone 1 was higher than in zone 2, salinity in zone 1 was smaller than in zone 2, and the water depth in zone 1 was shallower than in zone 2. The higher the crab catch intensity leaded to the smaller the abundance and size of carapace width. Alternative management strategies were proposed such as to divert fishing grounds from coastal waters to offshore during low productivity season, to uphold rules on minimum legal size for catching (Lm = 107 mm),  to release of berried females catch, and to reduce accretion rate of gear and fishing fleet mainly in the coastal zone waters.Keywords:  blue swimming crab, carapace widht (CW), abundance, intensity of fishing


2012 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 1015-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tânia Zaleski ◽  
José A. Angel Perez ◽  
Ana luiza Gandara-Martins

Morphological and morphometric variability of the small-sized coastal squid Lolliguncula brevis was assessed along the largest part of its latitudinal range in the southern hemisphere, off the Brazilian coast (8º S - 27º S). A general homogeneity in form was found throughout the entire latitudinal range. In terms of body proportions, no latitudinal gradients were evident, but a few local "morphotypes" could be distinguished. The distinctive egg mass morphology, and size and form features, including a hectocotylus 20-40% longer than the opposing ventral arm and the presence of suckers on the buccal membrane, indicated that Lolliguncula from northern and southern hemispheres might comprise two different taxa.


2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 771-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Basallo ◽  
Maria Cristina Oddone

The present study analyzed the sexual development, sizes at maturity and morphometric relationships for both sexes of Sympterygia acutaand S. bonapartii, endemic of south-western Atlantic Ocean. The examined specimens were obtained through research cruises and commercial fishing trips, during 2011 and 2012, along the southern Brazilian coast, in latitudes ranging from 34°28'S to 31°29'S and at depths between 15 and 142 m. Significant differences (p<0.05) in S. bonapartii and in S acutabetween sexes for the relationships total length (cm) - disc width (cm) and total length - total/eviscerated weight (g) respectively, demonstrated sexual dimorphism during the development in both species. The estimated size at maturity for males and females, respectively, were 46.1 and 44.7 cm, for S. acuta, and 58.4 and 59.9 cm, for S. bonapartii. A decrease in size at maturity for both sexes was observed in S. acuta and females of S. bonapartii of the southern coast of Brazil, respect to previous studies carried out over the last 30 years.


2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (73/75) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Fransozo ◽  
Rafael Campanelli Mortari ◽  
Aline Staskowian Benetti

The population biology of the fiddler crab Uca mordax (Smith, 1870) was investigated in an estuarinemangrove from the southeastern coast of Brazil. Samplings were monthly performed by 2 collectors for30 min. using the technique of capture per unit effort during low tide periods. The allometric techniquewas used to determine crab size at sexual maturity (males and females). Thus, specimens were classified into juveniles and adults according to their size at sexual maturity for each sex. The specimens weredistributed into size classes. Recruitment was based on the juvenile frequency and the reproduction peakin ovigerous females. The median size of males was 15.9 ± 2.7 mm carapace width (CW) (n = 557) andthat of females, 14.6 ± 2.8 mm CW (n = 528). At sexual maturity, size of crabs was 11.9 mm CW formales and 11.5 mm CW for females. Juveniles were found throughout the year but more frequently inthe winter and autumn. Sex ratio did not differ among seasons, except during the summer (p < 0.05).As regards sex ratio per size class, females predominated in the fi rst size classes. Reproduction peakwas observed in the summer. In short, the population biology of U. mordax was similar to that of mostbroad-front fi ddler crab species.


Author(s):  
Gilberto Sales ◽  
Bruno B. Giffoni ◽  
Paulo C.R. Barata

This paper presents data on the incidental catch of sea turtles in both the Brazilian exclusive economic zone and adjacent international waters (both areas are located mainly in the south-western Atlantic) by Brazilian commercial pelagic longliners targeting swordfish, tuna and sharks. Data were obtained by on-board observers for 311 trips carried out in 2001–2005, totalling 7385 sets and 11,348,069 hooks. A total of 1386 sea turtles were incidentally captured in the five years (some of them were considered dead at capture): 789 loggerheads (Caretta caretta), 341 leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), 45 green turtles (Chelonia mydas), 81 olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) and 130 of unknown species. Taking into account the distribution of the fishing effort in the study area and the incidental catch of sea turtles, four regions were highlighted for the analyses: Zone 1 is located off the northern Brazilian coast; Zone 2 is located off the central Brazilian coast; Zone 3 is the region off the southern Brazilian coast; and Zone 4, located in the open sea almost totally within international waters, is the region around a chain of undersea mountains known as the Rio Grande Rise (Elevação do Rio Grande). There is no information on the origin (nesting areas) of the captured olive ridleys, but there is some evidence, obtained through genetic and demographic analyses, that loggerheads, leatherbacks and green turtles inhabiting the open ocean around Brazil originate from nesting areas in several countries. Together with the fact that the south-western Atlantic is fished by longliners again from several countries, this places the conservation of sea turtles in that part of the ocean in an international context. Some conservation actions carried out by Brazil concerning the interaction between pelagic longlines and sea turtles in the study area are described.


Crustaceana ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 84 (10) ◽  
pp. 1221-1241 ◽  

AbstractThe study of relative growth was used to determine the dimensions that best demonstrate the morphological sexual maturity of Ucides cordatus from two mangrove areas (Ariquindá and Mamucabas) of the southern coast of the state of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The crabs were collected manually, with a capture effort by one person, during low tide in three different areas (each 25 m2) during a period of one year from April 2008 to March 2009. Crabs of both sexes were measured for the following dimensions: carapace width (CW); carapace length (CL); major cheliped propodus length (CPL); major cheliped propodus height (CPH); abdomen width (AW) and gonopod length (GL). These variables were subjected to an analysis of K-means clustering followed by a bivariate discriminant analysis, which separated the data into two groups: juveniles and adults. After separation of the groups, each age category was grouped into sixteen size classes of CW and the proportion of adults in each size class was calculated, and fitted to a logistic equation. Subsequently, an interpolation was performed to determine the size at which 50% of the males and females were mature. The relationships that best demonstrated the size at maturity were CPL vs. CW for males (Positive allometry; Ariquindá — juveniles b = 1.27, adults b = 1.41; Mamucabas — juveniles b =1.27, adults b = 1.44) and AW vs. CW for females (Positive allometry; Ariquindá — juveniles b = 1.34, adults b = 1.28; Mamucabas — juveniles b = 1.32, adults b = 1.44). The present analysis indicates that, for these same relationships, 50% of males and females are morphologically mature, at, respectively, 38.0 and 35.4 mm CW in Ariquindá, and 37.3 and 32.9 mm CW in Mamucabas. Positive allometry shown in the female abdomen is related to egg incubation, and the excessive growth observed in the male cheliped must be related to reproductive behaviour, including courtship and intra- or inter-specific agonistic interactions with other males.


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