Fecundity and morphometry of Achelous spinimanus caught on the coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract

This study provides a description of relative growth and fecundity of a population of Achelous spinimanus. Samples were collected monthly between August/2010 and July/2011 from landings of the pair trawls fleet on the coast of São Paulo state. Crabs were measured with precision caliper and the fresh weight of each individual were recorded using a precision scale. Morphometric relationships were adjusted to a power function (y = a x^b) and the regression coefficients determined for each category. Males showed a positive allometric growth for chelar propodus (b = 1.34) and females showed positive allometry for abdomen width (b = 1.12). The value of fecundity ranged from 165,750 to 1,058,500 eggs (556,750 ± 212,256), and increase according to the size of females was verified. Due to same observed evidences, such as constant occurrence of ovigerous females and predominance of adults, it is possible that the species is living in the area for reproduction. It should be emphasize the need for further studies to demonstrate other aspects of the exploited population.