Reproductive biology of spider crab females (Maja brachydactyla) off the coast of Asturias (north-west Spain)

L. García-Flórez; P. Fernández-Rueda

doi:10.1017/S0025315400003131

Abstract

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The first results of the females reproductive cycle of Maja brachydactyla (Braquiura: Majidae) off the coast of Asturias (north-west Spain) are presented. Mean size of mature females was 133·4 mm (N=1022) in 1997 and 125·0 mm (N=942) in 1998. Only one cohort is exploited each fishing season. This cohort passed through the terminal moult the year before and recruited in to the fishery beginning in June. The breeding cycle off the coast of Asturias begins in December and ends in November the following year. Results from this study indicate that females produce 3–4 broods per year in these waters, which is the highest reported number for M. brachydactyla. The results are discussed in terms of their importance for management of the fishery.

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Reproductive biology of spider crab females (Maja brachydactyla) off the coast of Asturias (north-west Spain)

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