Gbemisola AKIN-ORIOLA, Martins ANETEKHAİ, Kemi OLOWONIREJUARO

Morphometric and meristic studies in two crabs: Cardiosoma armatum and Callinectes pallidus

Crabs are non-target species in artisanal and trawl fisheries in West Africa and are a common component of the invertebrate fauna. Information on morphometric, meristic and length-weight characteristics of crabs is required for assessment of the fishery. Maximum carapace length was 6.0 cm (4.38±0.04 cm) in Cardiosoma armatum and 7.0 cm (5.17±0.04 cm) in Callinectes pallidus. Mean body weights were 110.21±4.14 g and 126.27±4.01 g, respectively. All body proportions and counts except the right chelae diameter were significantly different (p < 0.05) in the two species. Heterochely was observed with both species. C. armatum showed a tendency towards left-handedness (53%) while C. pallidus was definitely right-handed (79%). Sexually dimorphic characters such as chelae diameter were higher in males of C. armatum than in males of C. pallidus. Conversely, body weight, chelae diameter and condition factor were significantly higher in males of C. pallidus. In the mixed population, length-weight relationships indicated positive allometric growth (b < 3) in C. armatum and a positive isometric growth pattern in C. pallidus (b=3).

Anahtar Kelimeler:

vücut ölçümleri, Decapoda, yengeç, morfometri, eşeysel farklılık

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