<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The mud crab is the only non-indigenous xanthid encountered in the River Odra estuary. In 2007-2008, the crabs were collected, using fish traps, to determine sex and to follow variations in individual weight and carapace length and width over a year. Sex-dependent differences in the crab morphometry were studied as well. The largest catch was that obtained in September (23.48% of the total number of 264 individuals) and October (31.82%). Male crabs accounted for 56.44% of the total number; males dominated in autumn (September-December) and spring (March, May, June) catches. Males showed significantly wider carapaces (16.81 ±3.98 mm; range: 5.60-22.90 mm) and mean individual weight (2.15 ±0.94 g; range: 0.15-3.93 g) than females (mean carapace width of 15.05 ±3.33 mm; range: 5.30-19.80 mm, and mean individual weight of 1.47 ±0.60 g; range: 0.13-2.56 g). Of the 11 morphometric characters analyzed, expressed in relative values (%), related to the carapace width, males showed significantly larger claw dimensions (CHL1, CHW1, CHH1, CHL2, CHW2, CHH2) and smaller abdomen widths (AW).
</abstract>

The mud crab is the only non-indigenous xanthid encountered in the River Odra estuary. In 2007-2008, the crabs were collected, using fish traps, to determine sex and to follow variations in individual weight and carapace length and width over a year. Sex-dependent differences in the crab morphometry were studied as well. The largest catch was that obtained in September (23.48% of the total number of 264 individuals) and October (31.82%). Male crabs accounted for 56.44% of the total number; males dominated in autumn (September-December) and spring (March, May, June) catches. Males showed significantly wider carapaces (16.81 ±3.98 mm; range: 5.60-22.90 mm) and mean individual weight (2.15 ±0.94 g; range: 0.15-3.93 g) than females (mean carapace width of 15.05 ±3.33 mm; range: 5.30-19.80 mm, and mean individual weight of 1.47 ±0.60 g; range: 0.13-2.56 g). Of the 11 morphometric characters analyzed, expressed in relative values (%), related to the carapace width, males showed significantly larger claw dimensions (CHL1, CHW1, CHH1, CHL2, CHW2, CHH2) and smaller abdomen widths (AW).

Some aspects of population biology of the mud crab, <italic>Rhithropanopeus harrisii</italic> (Gould, 1841) in the Odra estuary, Poland

Department of Fisheries Management in Open Waters

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

Some aspects of population biology of the mud crab,  (Gould, 1841) in the Odra estuary, Poland

The mud crab is the only non-indigenous xanthid encountered in the River Odra estuary. In 2007-2008, the crabs were collected, using fish traps, to determine...

Some aspects of population biology of the mud crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1841) in the Odra estuary, Poland

Published Online: Dec 24, 2009

Page range: 49 - 62

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10009-009-0043-3

Keywords
morphometry, condition, Odra river estuary, body weight

This content is open access.