Differentiation in reproductive traits of geminate mangrove crabs of the genus Aratus (Decapoda: Brachyura) across the Central American Isthmus

The mangrove crab Aratus pisonii was considered to have an amphi‐American distribution; however, a recent study revealed that the Eastern Tropical Pacific populations were genetically distinct, thus representing a new species: Aratus pacificus. These species separated by the Isthmus of Panama have diverged under different environmental conditions that may have influenced their reproductive biology. As the available information about this genus concerns almost exclusively the Caribbean species, the aim of the present study was to analyse and compare reproductive aspects of A. pacificus and A. pisonii obtained from both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica. Females were collected from April 2011 to April 2012, and reproductive features such as breeding season, size distribution of ovigerous females, fecundity, reproductive output, embryo volume and embryo water content were assessed. Both species produced embryos during the entire sampled period. Most females of A. pacificus carrying embryos close to hatching were found during the rainy season. Ovigerous females of A. pisonii were substantially larger and reached sexual maturity at a larger size than females of A. pacificus. Embryo production started in A. pacificus at a smaller female size than in A. pisonii. As fecundity increased with female size, the average fecundity was lower in A. pacificus. Females of A. pisonii produced larger embryos, which might be related to lower food availability: higher energy content in the embryo enhances the chances of larval survival. These data regarding reproductive features of the Pacific and Caribbean species support the conclusion to separate A. pacificus from A. pisonii.     

Comparative reproductive biology of two southwestern Atlantic populations of the hermit crab Pagurus exilis (Crustacea: Anomura: Paguridae)

Pagurus exilis (Benedict, 1892) is an endemic South Atlantic hermit crab with a distribution ranging from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, to Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The present study analyzed the reproduction of two populations at the extremes of this geographical distribution, and compared their reproductive period, fecundity, and changes in egg size and egg volume during the incubation period in order to assess the variability over this latitudinal range. Hermit crabs were collected monthly over a 2‐year period. In total, 108 females were analyzed for Brazil (44 non‐ovigerous and 64 ovigerous), and 141 for Argentina (87 non‐ovigerous and 54 ovigerous). Reproduction in Brazil occurs year‐round, with peaks in the fall and winter seasons; in Argentina reproduction occurs only in spring and summer. The Brazilian ovigerous females were significantly larger than the Argentina ones (Brazil: SL = 5.33 ± 1.45 mm; Argentina: SL = 4.15 ± 0.52 mm; P < 0.001). The fecundity was 1447 ± 831 eggs (317 to 2885) in Brazil and 987 ± 711 eggs (114 to 2665) in Argentina, with a trend towards higher fecundity in Brazil. Eggs in the Argentina population were larger than those in Brazil for all the three stages investigated, and no changes in egg volume were found during egg development for both populations. The reproductive traits of the two populations showed some important differences, which may reflect adaptations to local environmental conditions, demonstrating a high plasticity of reproductive features of the species in Brazilian and Argentine waters. The strategy adopted by the Argentina population involves a lower production of larger eggs compared to the population in Brazil; this lower production is associated with reproduction in cold‐water regions.     

Batch fecundity and spawning frequency of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

The reproductive biology of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) inhabiting waters of the southwest Atlantic Ocean (52°‐53°S and 57°‐62°W) was studied through histological analysis of the ovaries. During 2003, the spawning peak occurred at the beginning of September south of the Malvinas Islands. Batch fecundity of this species ranged from 35 000 (41 cm total length, TL) to 245 000 (62 cm TL) oocytes and relative batch fecundity was 122 ± 43 (Mean ± SD, n = 24) oocytes per gram somatic weight. The average proportion of mature females with stage‐0 post‐ovulatory follicles was 0.25 for September 2003, which indicated a spawning frequency of 4 days during the peak of the season. Large females produced more egg batches than small spawners during the same period, but no significant relationship was found between oocyte dry weight and female size of southern blue whiting.     

Population Dynamics of Pinnixa patagoniensis Rathbun, 1918 Brachyura: Pinnotheridae a Symbiotic Crab of Sergio mirim Thalassinidea: Callianassidae in Cassino Beach, Southern Brazil

Abstract. Pinnotherid crabs are typically found associated with many benthic invertebrates. On sandy beaches of southern Brazil, Pinnixa patagoniensis R athbun , 1918 inhabits burrows of the ghost shrimp Sergio mirim R odrigues , 1971. The population dynamics of this crab were studied from monthly samples taken between March 1989 and November 1991 near the Patos Lagoon outlet, southern Brazil ca. 32°13'S; 52°15'W. There was no correlation between the number and size of the crabs and the size of their respective hosts. Mean densities and incidence reached 3.1 indiv. opening^-1 range: 0 to 29 and 83.9%. respectively. Sex-ratios were not significantly different from 1:1 for the different size classes and sampling dates. Ovigerous females were found between October and March, showing an average fecundity of 1529 eggs per female. The annual recruitment pattern was bimodal, with a minor peak in summer and a fall peak that accounted for almost 70% of the population maintenance. Males and females both reached a maximum carapace width of 11.5 mm and had a life span of nearly two years as estimated from fitted von B ertalanffy growth curve parameters.     

Sex‐specific affinity for redox‐active metals influences antioxidant responses of Callinectes amnicola (blue crab) populations in littoral and open water habitats of a tropical coastal lagoon

The critical role of ecological preferences and opportunity in determining contaminant uptake and adaptive responses of sexes in the wild is still poorly understood. This ecological relationship was investigated by measuring metal bioaccumulation and antioxidant activity in male and female blue crab populations from open water habitat and the littoral/inter‐tidal zone of the Lagos Lagoon. A total of 741 samples of blue crab (littoral zone: 263 females, 137 males; open water zone, 230 females, 111 males) was collected monthly over 24 months (January 2010–January 2012) from each site and the measurements of morphometric features (wet weight, carapace length, carapace width) were recorded; condition index, metal (redox active: Cu, Zn, redox inactive: Pb, Cd) concentration in tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, gonads and muscle) and antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and malondialdehyde) were measured for each sex. Monthly sediment samples for both habitats were also analysed for metals using standard methods. Female crabs were significantly larger (p < .05) with a better condition index than the male crabs across sites and seasons, while higher oxidative damage was recorded in male crabs in the littoral zone compared to the open water zone. The results show that there was a negative association between antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation; a negative relationship between concentrations of redox‐inactive metals (Pb and Cd) and antioxidant activity in male crab tissues; and a positive relationship between uptake of a redox‐active metal (Cu) and antioxidant activity in female crab tissues. Although these trends suggest sex‐specific toxicity, they also associate redox‐inactive metals with the downregulation of antioxidant activity and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the higher condition index of females corroborates the possibility of sex‐specific toxicity, while the larger‐sized females compared to males suggests size‐sexual dimorphism in the blue crab populations. The site‐specific oxidative damage between sexes may be attributed to the different complexity of both habitats, which affords different ecological opportunities for the sexes.     

Natural history of the pea crab in Wellington Harbour,New Zealand

The pea crab Pinnotheres novaezelandiae Filhol (Brachyura: Pinnotheridac) infests the mussel Perna canaliculus (Gmelin) in Wellington Harbour. The crab passes through the same post‐planktonic stages as other pea crabs. The number of eggs hatching increases over summer, although females can be found incubating eggs at any time of the year. Shellfish below the level of low water neap tide are more heavily infested than those above this level. Damage to the host is restricted to erosion of the demibranchs and nodule formation on the mantle.     

The life history of the giant octopus Octopus magnificus in South African waters

Octopus magnificus is a regular bycatch of traps set for spiny lobsters and bottom trawls for Cape hakes Merluccius spp. on the continental shelf of South Africa. Octopuses were collected from rocky substrata (traps) and soft sediments (research trawls) during a three-year period (2002–2005) and over a wide geographical and depth range to investigate their basic biological and life-history characteristics. Octopuses collected from trawl nets were smaller than those from traps. Males from traps and trawl nets were larger than females, with males being more frequently caught in traps than females. Size distributions were seasonally cyclical, increasing from a small mean size in the austral winter to a peak in summer, and receding during autumn. No mature females were found on soft sediments. The female gonadosomatic index peaked during summer, and sperm were found in oviducts year-round. Males reached 50% maturity at a weight of 4.6kg compared with 5.8kg in females. Mature females produced up to 10 000 medium-to-large (4–9mm maximum length) eggs, and potential fecundity was positively related to female body and ovary weight. Feeding rates were highest in trap-caught octopuses and gut contents consisted mainly of bait, spiny lobsters and teleosts (mainly jacopever Helicolenus dactylopterus). The gut contents of trawl-caught octopuses consisted mainly of crustaceans (84%), mostly portunid crabs but no spiny lobsters, teleosts (15%) and molluscs (1%). The results suggest that O. magnificus has a short (c. 1 year) lifespan, with winter/spring recruitment, a summer spawning peak, and post-spawning mortality in autumn. Alternatively, the species may have a longer lifespan with seasonal migrations between rocky and soft substrata.     

Population biology of the portunid crab Callinectes arcuatus Ordway in the Gulf of Nicoya,Costa Rica,Central America

Tropical blue crabs Callinectes arcuatus were collected by trawling in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America. The gulf population was generally dominated by females. Adult females were common in the upper, more estuarine regions of the gulf during rainy season, but appeared to migrate to the lower gulf during dry season for spawning. Biomass varied with seasonal changes in abundance, but was generally similar to biomass of C. sapidus in Chesapeake Bay. Analysis of size frequency indicated that the population is numerically dominated by adults during January and February and that juveniles are common during the remainder of the year. Extrapolation of available data suggests that female crabs reach maturity in approximately one year after hatching.     

Reproductive and growth strategies of Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) population in the Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia,Southern Mediterranean)

We analysed several life history traits of the marine isopod Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) from the Bizerte lagoon, Southern Mediterranean Sea. Growth was continuous throughout the life of the animal with a high growth rate in the first life phase, and the growth curve was described according to von Bertalanffy's model. The lowest growth rate (0.23 mm) was recorded in winter (December, January and February) and the maximum rate (2.31 mm) between April and June. The total number of hatched eggs or embryos was positively correlated with the body length of ovigerous females. This population of I. balthica basteri was iteroparous, showing distinct strategies of reproduction. Large ovigerous females with high fecundity were collected during the whole sampling period, while breeding in smaller females with low fecundity was restricted to the period from late spring to early autumn, Manca size increased significantly with increasing female body size and there was also a significant trade‐off between manca size and the number of eggs per brood. Reproductive allocation, ranging between 17.1 ± 1.2% in winter and 23.2 ± 1.8% in summer, was positively correlated with female weight. Accordingly, parental investment in producing a juvenile varied between 1.02% per manca in winter to 3.38% in spring. Evaluated traits show that late summer and autumn cohorts have a K‐strategy, whereas cohorts born in winter and spring, and which exhibit a shorter life time, exhibit faster development, earlier reproduction and a smaller parental investment tending towards an r‐selected strategy.     

中国鲎(Tachypleus tridentatus)微卫星标记筛选及种群遗传多样性和遗传结构分析

采用FIASCO方法构建了中国鲎(Tachypleus tridentatus)(CA)_n微卫星富集文库,对214个阳性克隆进行测序,筛选获得60条含有微卫星的序列,其中可设计引物的序列共38条。38对微卫星引物在37个中国鲎个体中PCR检测发现,只有9个位点具有多态性,其等位基因数为5—14个,每个位点平均具有8.1个等位基因。9个位点之间不存在连锁。利用该9个具有多态性微卫星标记分析了中国沿海9个中国鲎地理群体的种群遗传多样性和遗传结构。结果表明:中国沿海的中国鲎种群遗传多态性水平仍较高, 9个地方群体间无遗传差异,它们之间未见显著分化,且有着较高的基因流;推测人为的迁移是造成遗传无分化的主要原因。我们建议中国鲎已绝迹的海域可从其他海域引入中国鲎个体来恢复地方群体资源。     

Fecundity in the marine spiny lobster Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

Fecundity in Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851) has been studied by a detailed investigation of (a) the total weight of eggs carried by female specimens, (b) the average number of eggs per 1 g sample, and (c) the total number of eggs carried by females. In mid October 1966, 217 females “in berry” (that is, carrying external eggs) were examined and measured at Spirits Bay, New Zealand. The fecundity study is based on the results obtained from 21 selected specimens, with carapace lengths from 15.5 cm to 23.5 cm.

A direct relation was found between the total weight of eggs carried and increase in carapace length. The total weight of eggs carried varied from about 51 g to 238 g for carapace lengths of 15.5 cm to 23.5 cm. No correlation was shown between the average number of eggs per 1 g sample and increase in carapace length. Considerable variation was noted in the number of eggs per 1 g sample, which ranged from a low count of 6,453 eggs to a high count of 8,341 eggs. The total number of eggs carried by female J. verreauxi was found to be related to an increase in carapace length. Furthermore, increase in fecundity per relative carapace length increase was noted to be greater in smaller specimens than in larger specimens. The total number of eggs carried ranged from about 385,000 for a carapace length of 15.5 cm to 1,940,000 for a carapace length of 23.5 cm.

Fecundity, as measured by the total weight of eggs carried and the total number of eggs produced, was found to be much higher in J. verreauxi than in several Jasus species previously studied by other workers.     

Population biology of the fiddler crab Uca annulipes (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) in a tropical East African mangrove (Mozambique)

The community structure of the tropical fiddler crab Uca annulipes (H. Milne Edwards) has been studied in Mozambique for the first time. Ten 0.25 m² squares were randomly sampled on a monthly basis during low tide periods from January to December 2002 at Costa do Sol Mangrove, Maputo Bay, southern Mozambique. A total of 981 crabs were captured, of which 494 were males (50.36%), 231 non-ovigerous females (23.85%) and 253 ovigerous females (25.79%). The overall size frequency distribution was unimodal, with males being larger than both ovigerous and non-ovigerous females. Females were more abundant in the smallest size classes while males outnumbered females in the largest ones. The overall sex ratio (1:0.99) did not differ from the expected 1:1 proportion, but significant deviations were observed in January, April, August and November. Results indicate that the size frequency distributions of this species can also be determined through direct analysis of burrow openings. Breeding took place year-round with two peaks of spawning in summer (January and December). Recruits were present throughout the year, with high abundance in summer probably due to the high reproductive activity observed in this season. The present results may allow us to suggest that U. annulipes follows a rapid breeding cycle accompanied by a rapid larval development and settlement in the study area.     

The reproductive biology of a shallow water morid (Salilota australis Günther, 1878), around the Falkland Islands

The reproductive biology of a shelf morid, red cod (Salilota australis) was investigated in the Falkland Islands, in order to expand our knowledge of the reproductive strategy of this relatively unstudied family of fishes. Red cod spawn to the south and south-west of West Falkland between August and October. Length frequency and sex ratio data suggest that females arrive at the spawning grounds first. The greatest spawning activity occurred in early evening and this timing may be an adaptation to reduce predation on eggs. Ripe egg size varied from 0.95 to 1.26 mm and was not dependant on female size. There was no regulative atresia during maturation and the formation of fecundity and fecundity increased with increasing fish total length (L_T) from 300,000 (42-45 cm L_T) to 4.5-9.0 million eggs (75-83 cm L_T). The fecundity of most of the population was between 2 and 5 million eggs. Red cod releases small batches of eggs over the spawning period. Batch size ranged from 30,000-90,000 (39-42 cm L_T) in smaller animals to 400,000-800,000 (>75 cm L_T) in larger animals and the batch size of first spawners was significantly higher than for advanced spawners. The study allows us to discuss the evolutionary relationships between the Gadiformes.     

Evaluation of Atlantic bluefin tuna reproductive potential in the western Mediterranean Sea

Ovarian tissue samples of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT) spawners (n = 49) caught by purse seine in the Balearic Sea (western Mediterranean) were used to assess the stock reproductive characteristics. The frequency of spawning females estimated by the postovulatory follicle method was 84% and the spawning periodicity 1.2 days. Using an unbiased stereological method, the realized batch fecundity was estimated from counts of postovulatory follicles (POFs), whereas the batch fecundity of the subsequent spawn was estimated by quantification of the number of follicles containing oocytes at maturation stage (OMFs). The number of POFs was used as a reliable proxy of the realized batch fecundity, as it represents the actual number of eggs released in the last spawning event. The average relative realized batch fecundity was estimated to be approximately 48 eggs g^− 1 of total body mass. While the absolute batch fecundity was isometrically related to the fork length, the relative batch fecundity was not dependent on fish size, which leads to the assumption that all length classes contribute proportionally to their size, towards the total number of eggs spawned by the broodstock. Size-related variations in the sex ratio were observed in the study area and in other Mediterranean locations; females were more abundant in mid-size classes while males predominated in large-size classes.     

Reproductive resilience of ice‐dependent Antarctic silverfish in a rapidly changing system along the Western Antarctic Peninsula

The Western Antarctic Peninsula (wAP) is globally one of the systems most heavily impacted by climate change, notably steep declines in sea ice extent. In forage species, reproductive resilience to change is particularly important because population fluctuations are rapidly communicated through the system via trophic interactions. The reproductive traits of the ice‐dependent forage species Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarctica) from different areas along the wAP and at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula were investigated through macroscopic and histological analyses of gonads, with the aim to assess its reproductive potential and to test for spatial differences in fecundity and spawning season. Fish samples were collected in late summer off Charcot Island, in Marguerite Bay and off Joinville Island; no fish were caught in the central wAP. Samples from Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay consisted of adults in developing gonad stage, whereas those from Joinville consisted almost exclusively of juveniles. Mean GSI was relatively low (2–3%) and similar in both sexes, as specimens were still far from being actively reproducing. Developing females exhibited two discrete, though partially overlapping modes of oocytes of different size, with vitellogenic oocytes measuring 0.5–1.0 mm. Absolute and relative fecundity ranged between 3000 and 12,000 eggs per female and between 80 and 190 eggs·g^?1, with a strong relationship between absolute fecundity and body size. These results were consistent with a single population at Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay and indicated substantial reproductive potential, which may mitigate population isolation and reductions in habitat availability but cannot ultimately offset catastrophic loss of spawning habitat linked to sea‐ice retreat.     

Spatio‐temporal variation in biomass of the deep‐sea red crab Chaceon affinis in Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands,Eastern‐Central Atlantic)

The spatial and temporal biomass distribution of Chaceon affinis and its vulnerability to fishing activity in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) were investigated. The first goal was to assess the influence of the slope steepness and substrate on the size of crab patches, size of the crabs, and crab biomass. The second goal was to evaluate spatial and temporal variation in the biomass over a 15‐month period. The last goal was to assess the influence of fishing activity upon the reduction in the biomass over the same 15‐month period. Only two or three locations in the sampling area generated high‐biomass contour patches. When these patches were superimposed on the isobath lines, they were coincident with the main depth range described for the species in the area. The map of the biomass values clearly showed three structures with cores of the highest biomass in both muddy and rocky‐muddy areas. The biomass was higher on muddy than on rocky‐muddy bottoms. Biomass was twice as high when steepness was reduced to one third between isobaths of 500 and 900 m. The size of crab patches increases linearly with the decrease in slope steepness. The spatial structure of crabs remained fairly stable over time, showing that biomass changes with depth over time. Maps of the estimated biomass values over the 15‐month period showed the same two main patches over time with the cores of highest biomass separated by a distance of between 4.2 and 4.5 km. Although the bathymetric distribution by sexes showed temporal changes, with a displacement to deeper areas made by both sexes over the studied period, only a partial temporal segregation between males and females was observed. During the study period, crabs underwent a significant decline in biomass and this was consistent with the combined catches of both commercial and experimental fishing in the area. Due to its low mobility, C. affinis is highly vulnerable to local depletion by intensive fishing efforts.     

中华鲎(Tachypleus tridentatus)稚鲎对不同比例泥沙类型选择行为特征

中华鲎(Tachypleus tridentatus)是保障我国医疗检测安全的重要战略生物资源,国内外中华鲎行为生态学相关研究极少。在实验室内模拟砾石底(NS)、细砂(SS)、中砂(MS)、粗砂(CS)、泥(AR)、泥沙1 (AA)、泥沙2 (AB)和沙泥(SA) 8种不同比例的泥沙类型对中华鲎行为特征的影响。结果表明,稚鲎较多时间潜藏于泥沙中,较少时间裸露于泥沙表面活动(如爬行、游泳等)。稚鲎偏好在含淤泥较多的泥沙类型中潜沙,且在泥质和泥沙质类型中埋栖时间较在沙质中埋栖时间长;在裸露于泥沙表面时,稚鲎相对偏好栖息于沙质底。泥沙环境下稚鲎用于游泳的时间比例高于砾石底。在凌晨、上午、中午、下午、夜晚5个时间段中,稚鲎在夜晚和凌晨活动较活跃。通过揭示不同比例的泥沙类型底质对中华鲎稚鲎行为特征的影响,为野外增殖放流计划的设计与实施、放流适宜地点的选择以及稚鲎人工养殖环境的优化提供科学理论依据。     

Reproduction in Galaxias fasciatus Gray (Salmoniformes : Galaxiidae)

A study of the reproductive cycle was made on Galaxias fasciatus Gray from streams on Banks Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. There was no spawning migration; adults remained in the usual adult habitat to breed. The course of gonad maturation showed that spawning occurred in the autumn, from the end of April to mid‐June. Most males matured at 2 years of age and most females at 4 years old. Egg numbers in the females varied from 3800 to 23 600. Males were predominant in age groups 1–4, females in the older age groups. Amongst fish of potential breeding age there was an excess of males. Circumstantial evidence suggested that eggs were laid among piles of water‐logged debris lodged in pools and backwaters. The larvae, which are briefly described, probably hatch during floods to be swept quickly downstream to the sea.     

Sex‐related differences in size,function and regeneration of the major cheliped in the hermit crab Pagurus filholi

Pagurus hermit crabs have a well‐developed right cheliped (major cheliped) and in some species the major cheliped of males is longer than that of females. This paper describes sex‐related differences in major cheliped length and regeneration pattern of the major cheliped in the hermit crab Pagurus filholi. We also examined the function of the major cheliped in male–male competition. Major cheliped length of males was longer than that of females in P. filholi. Males regenerated larger chelipeds than females at the first molt after experimentally induced autotomy. Body size growth in males of the regeneration group was less than that in intact males of the control group while there was no significant difference in body size growth of females between regeneration and control groups. Major cheliped length was included in the best model to explain the outcome of male–male competition and thus sexual selection appears to be a causative factor in the sex‐related difference of the major cheliped length. Sex‐related differences in the regeneration pattern may reflect differences in evolutionary pressures on males for large major chelipeds and females for large body size.     

Burrowing behaviour of the paddle crab Ovalipes catharus (White, 1843) (Brachyura: Portunidae)

The burrowing behaviour of Ovalipes catharus (White, 1843) is described and compared with that of some other burrowing crabs. O. catharus is a fast, back burrowing crab which makes temporary burrows in soft sand. The average time from initiation of burrowing to complete submergence was 6.5 s, there was no difference between males and females but burrowing time increased significantly with crab size. Similar morphological adaptations are required for burrowing and swimming: streamlined body shape, smooth lightly constructed exoskeleton, and flattened legs. O. catharus has a reversed respiratory current like O. guadulpensis but it differs in its burrowing behaviour. Compared to some other crabs, burrowing in O. catharus is rapid.