Annual cycle of growth and population structure of the estuarine crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus (Brachyura: Varunidae) off central Chile

Author(s):  
Ramiro A. Riquelme-Bugueño ◽  
Tomás Luppi ◽  
Gonzalo S. Saldías ◽  
Marcelo E. Lagos ◽  
Mauricio A. Urbina ◽  
...  

Abstract Estuaries and saltmarshes play a fundamental role in the life cycle of many crab species. Diverse studies show that temperature and salinity modulate abundance, size frequency distribution (SFD), sex ratio and growth in crustaceans. These population parameters are usually challenging to estimate due to the high environmental variability of estuaries. Monthly samples of the estuarine crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus were taken from October 2003 to October 2004 (except July 2004) in the Tubul estuary, central Chile. We quantified temporal changes in abundance, size distribution, sex ratio and monthly growth through the annual cycle. A total of 1025 individuals were collected. Sizes ranged from 7.72–33.51 mm carapace length (CL) with a growth rate ranging between 2.13–30.5% mm CL mo−1. Size and growth rates were greater in spring-summer, suggesting a faster growth of younger crabs correlated with increasing sea temperatures in the austral summer. Overall, sex ratio was 1.75:1 in favour of males. Modal analysis identified at least seven cohorts cohabiting throughout the annual cycle. Growth parameters for males and females were the following, respectively: L∞ = 33.6 and 29.6, k = 0.69 and 0.91, t0 = –0.39 and −0.28. Changes in size distribution suggested a recruitment period during autumn and winter seasons when there are lower salinities and temperature fluctuations stresses. Generalized linear models indicated that sea temperature, salinity and chlorophyll were the environmental variables that better predicted the annual patterns in the population structure.

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
JD Stevens ◽  
KJ McLoughlin

The distribution, size composition, sex ratio, reproductive biology and diet of 17 species of shark from the families Triakidae, Hemigaleidae and Carcharhinidae from northern Australia were examined. In most of these species the sex ratio of the embryos is 1 : 1, whereas in the post-partum populations there were significantly more males than females. The results indicate four broad reproductive strategies among these sharks. In most species reproduction was distinctly seasonal with individual females giving birth each Austral summer (annual cycle) after a gestation period of 9-12 months. A second group had a very similar cycle except that individual females gave birth every second year (biennial cycle). A third group had an annual cycle but breeding was continuous throughout the year, these were mostly small bottom-associated sharks. One species had a seasonal cycle but gave birth twice each year (biannual cycle) after a 6-month gestation. The average size at birth varied from 27 to 75 cm and the average litter size varied from 2 to 34. The size at birth was about 40% of the size at maturity, which in turn was about 70% of the maximum size. Diets ranged from omnivorous to highly selective. Fish was an important component of the diet in all but one species. There was evidence of partitioning of food resources among sympatric, morphologically similar, sharks.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Soufiane Fadlaoui ◽  
Mohammed Melhaoui

This is the first study to determine the population structure of the freshwater crab Potamon algeriense in Oued Zegzel, a mountain stream in the northeast of Morocco. Monthly collections were carried out by hand, from October 2017 to September 2018. A total of 669 individuals, 378 males and 291 females, were captured, measured, marked, and released. Due to their extremely cryptic behavior during egg incubation, few ovigerous females were caught during the entire sampling period. The average size of males (28.98 ± 10.78 mm CW) is significantly larger than that of the females (28.62 ± 8.48 mm CW). Significant deviation from 1 : 1 sex ratio during the study period was recorded, and the size distribution of the sampled population presented an abnormal distribution where specimens over 31 and under 25 mm CW were often males, whereas females were represented more in the 26–30 mm CW range.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11550
Author(s):  
Gonzalo A. Collado ◽  
Elizabeth Chihuailaf ◽  
Natalia Muñoz-Herrera ◽  
Manuel Contreras ◽  
Fernando Novoa ◽  
...  

Knowing the reproductive biology of threatened species is essential for conservation and to establish proper management plans. Heleobia atacamensis, a freshwater snail only known from two locations in the Atacama Saltpan, northern Chile, is currently classified as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List and Critically Endangered by the Ministerio del Medio Ambiente of Chile. Based on size-frequency distribution, multivariate analysis of shell measurements, and microdissections, we studied the reproductive strategy, recruitment period, sex ratio and sexual dimorphism in this species. Heleobia atacamensis is an oviparous species, with direct development (non-planktotrophic). Females lay capsules of a single egg from which a juvenile resembling a miniature adult hatches after intracapsular metamorphosis is completed. The development type was confirmed by the observation of a paucispiral protoconch (= protoconch I) using scanning electron microscopy. Recruitment was observed across the four seasons of the year, with an increment at the end of austral summer. Results also showed that sex ratio was 1:1, whereas sexual dimorphism was not detected using univariate and multivariate analysis of the shell. The reproductive data provided in this study are a starting point for future management plans.


Author(s):  
Sonja Luana Rezende Da Silva ◽  
Rafael De Carvalho Santos ◽  
Rogério Caetano Costa ◽  
Gustavo Luis Hirose

This study evaluated the population structure, growth and longevity of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in the State of Sergipe. The obtained data were compared with other populations on a latitudinal scale in order to evaluate whether the latitudinal paradigm applies to this species. Shrimp sampling took place monthly from September 2013 to August 2014, in nine stations distributed at 5, 15 and 30 m depths, using a shrimp fishery boat equipped with a ‘double rig’ net. Sexual maturity was estimated by the logistic function y = a/(1 + b*exp(-cx)), and the sex ratio was analysed with the Chi-square test. The individual growth rate was estimated using the von Bertalanffy model, and the longevity was estimated by the inverse form of this formula. A total of 6418 (3457 females and 2961 males) was analysed. The size at onset of sexual maturity was 12 mm of carapace length (CL) for males and 12.5 mm CL for females. The total sex ratio did not differ from the expected (1:1). Males exhibited higher growth coefficients (k) and smaller asymptotic growth (CC∞ = 28.74 mm, k = 0.0081 day−1) than females (CC∞ = 30.79 mm, k = 0.0058 day−1). The estimated longevity (years) was 1.55 for males and 2.15 for females. No evident latitudinal pattern was observed regarding the size at onset of sexual maturity or the growth parameters for X. kroyeri. The information found, besides contributing to the knowledge about the biology of this shrimp, can also clarify hypotheses presented in relation to the latitudinal paradigm along the Brazilian coast.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-140
Author(s):  
Sri Redjeki ◽  
Muhammad Zainuri ◽  
Ita Widowati ◽  
Ambariyanto Ambariyanto ◽  
Rudhi Pribadi ◽  
...  

Blue Swimming Crab (P. pelagicus, Linnaeus, 1758) is the main fisheries product from Betahwalang peoples. Fishing activity of Blue Swimming Crab by the fisherman almost every day in Betahwalang waters. Distribution and body size data of Blue Swimming Crab can be used for sustain management reference. The purpose of this study was to determine distribution pattern and body size of Blue Swimming Crab, started from July to November 2018 in Betahwalang waters, Demak. The data analyze consist of sex ratio, carapace width distribution and relationship between carapace width and body weight. 11790 samples Blue Swimming crab from Betahwalang waters consist of 7070 female crabs and 4720 male crabs. The result showed that sex-ratio between male and female crabs are balanced (1.0:1.37), with the most female crabs found at July and August. Body size distribution of male and female crabs are dominated in class 103-111 mm carapace width. Male and female crabs have a positive allometric on growth parameters, that means growth of the body weight is faster than carapace width. The result showed that Blue Swimming Crab in Betahwalang waters are support for sustainable fisheries. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Costa e Silva ◽  
Marina Calixto Cunha ◽  
Emerson Contreira Mossolin ◽  
Giuliano Buzá Jacobucci

Abstract Aim The present study aimed to analyze a M. amazonicum population structure in a reservoir of the “Triângulo Mineiro”, Brazil. Methods Monthly surveys were carried out from April/2012 to May/2013 at the Miranda Hydroelectric Plant Reservoir located in Araguari river, state of Minas Gerais. A sampling section of 100 m long, 5 m wide and depth not exceeding 1 m was defined on the banks of the reservoir. Sampling consisted on two persons quickly passing a 2 mm sieves in partially submerged marginal vegetation, for one hour. The sampled specimens were identified, sexed and measured. Results A total of 2,584 specimens were analyzed, of which 64.62% were females (3.93% ovigerous, 5.94% non-ovigerous and 54.75% juveniles), 29.16% males (21.41% adults and 7.76% juveniles) and 6.22% juveniles of undetermined sex. The sex ratio (1:2.21) indicated a clear deviation for females, for the whole sampling period, monthly and for each size class. Males had an average carapace length (CL = 4.50 ± 0.71 mm) significantly lower than females (CL = 4.64 ± 1.47 mm) and the size frequency distribution revealed a unimodal pattern, with peaks occurring in 4.0 - 4.9 mm size class for males and in 3.0 - 3.9 mm size class for females. The relation between total and carapace length was significant, indicating a negative allometric growth. No males’ morphotypes were found. The population presented a continuous reproduction with a gradual increase between April and June/2012. Female sexual maturity was determined for 6.3 mm of CL, while for males was estimated for 4.0 mm. Conclusion The Miranda reservoir population had a body size variation similar to the continental populations of Pantanal. The sexual dimorphism observed may be related to the absence of male morphotypes and to the “pure search” reproduction strategy. The deviated sex ratio for females may increase the chance of fertilization and the reproductive success. The presence of juveniles and ovigerous females throughout the year indicates a continuous reproduction pattern of the population.


Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 158 (2) ◽  
pp. 833-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas R Taylor ◽  
Matthew S Olson ◽  
David E McCauley

Abstract Gynodioecy, the coexistence of functionally female and hermaphroditic morphs within plant populations, often has a complicated genetic basis involving several cytoplasmic male-sterility factors and nuclear restorers. This complexity has made it difficult to study the genetics and evolution of gynodioecy in natural populations. We use a quantitative genetic analysis of crosses within and among populations of Silene vulgaris to partition genetic variance for sex expression into nuclear and cytoplasmic components. We also use mitochondrial markers to determine whether cytoplasmic effects on sex expression can be traced to mitochondrial variance. Cytoplasmic variation and epistatic interactions between nuclear and cytoplasmic loci accounted for a significant portion of the variation in sex expression among the crosses. Source population also accounted for a significant portion of the sex ratio variation. Crosses among populations greatly enhanced the dam (cytoplasmic) effect, indicating that most among-population variance was at cytoplasmic loci. This is supported by the large among-population variance in the frequency of mitochondrial haplotypes, which also accounted for a significant portion of the sex ratio variance in our data. We discuss the similarities between the population structure we observed at loci that influence sex expression and previous work on putatively neutral loci, as well as the implications this has for what mechanisms may create and maintain population structure at loci that are influenced by natural selection.


Polar Science ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Ono ◽  
Masato Moteki ◽  
Kazuo Amakasu ◽  
Ryoji Toda ◽  
Naho Horimoto ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina de Sá Leitão C. de Araújo ◽  
Deusinete de O. Tenório ◽  
Daniela da S. Castiglioni

The semi terrestrial crabs are important elements of the fauna of coastal regions. The aim of this study was to analyze the population structure of Armases angustipes (Dana, 1852) at estuaries of the Ariquindá River, considered a non impacted area, and Mamucabas River, considered a few impacted area, on the south coast of state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The species occurred in all months of the year. The number of individuals per month varied, being higher in the months of transition between the seasons. This is probably due to significant seasonal variations of air and burrow temperature and burrow salinity. There was no sexual dimorphism in size of A. angustipes in the mangrove of Ariquindá River, but males were larger than females in the mangrove of Mamucabas River. In both estuaries, the sex ratio did not differ from Mendelian proportion, but showed a deviation for females. The analysis of temporal variation in sex ratio showed significant differences in some months of the year. These variations are due to cyclical events that act distinctly on each sex. In both estuaries, size classes of carapace width were equally represented by both sexes. The ovigerous females of A. angustipes occurred only in some months of the year, especially in summer, in both estuaries. Probably the high phytoplankton productivity observed in summer favors the reproductive activity, since these algae serve as food for the larvae. Specimens of the population of Rio Ariquindá are largest and wider than those of Mamucabas River. This fact, associated with the low abundance of crabs and the lower frequency of ovigerous females observed in Mamucabas River, is an indication that this population may be influenced by the environmental impacts that this estuary has received.


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