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

<p>Carapace length and width as well as condition were analysed in 2336 Chinese mitten crabs, <italic>Eriocheir sinensis</italic>, caught in 1999-2007 in the Odra River estuary (Poland). Their condition was assessed using the Fulton coefficient and the carapace width-individual weight relationship. September through November catches netted the highest number of crabs (83.60% of the total sample); males accounted for 53.56% of the crabs caught at that time. Males showed a significantly higher mean individual weight, significantly higher carapace width and length, and a higher Fulton coefficient than the females. The lowest mean individual weight, carapace width and length, and the highest condition coefficients were recorded in those crabs caught in 1999-2000. Later on, the mean carapace width and individual weight increased, and the increase was accompanied by a reduction in condition of the crabs. Causes of the differences are being sought in environmental changes taking place in the Odra estuary.</p>
</abstract>

Carapace length and width as well as condition were analysed in 2336 Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis, caught in 1999-2007 in the Odra River estuary (Poland). Their condition was assessed using the Fulton coefficient and the carapace width-individual weight relationship. September through November catches netted the highest number of crabs (83.60% of the total sample); males accounted for 53.56% of the crabs caught at that time. Males showed a significantly higher mean individual weight, significantly higher carapace width and length, and a higher Fulton coefficient than the females. The lowest mean individual weight, carapace width and length, and the highest condition coefficients were recorded in those crabs caught in 1999-2000. Later on, the mean carapace width and individual weight increased, and the increase was accompanied by a reduction in condition of the crabs. Causes of the differences are being sought in environmental changes taking place in the Odra estuary.

Changes in condition and in carapace length and width of the Chinese mitten crab (<italic>Eriocheir sinensis</italic> H. Milne Edwards, 1853) harvested in the Odra River estuary in 1999-2007

Department of Fisheries Management in Open Waters

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

Changes in condition and in carapace length and width of the Chinese mitten crab ( H. Milne Edwards, 1853) harvested in the Odra River estuary in 1999-2007

Carapace length and width as well as condition were analysed in 2336 Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis, caught in 1999-2007 in the Odra River estuary...

Changes in condition and in carapace length and width of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853) harvested in the Odra River estuary in 1999-2007

Published Online: Jun 30, 2010

Page range: 25 - 36

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10009-010-0017-5

Keywords
Chinese mitten crab, Odra estuary, carapace width, condition

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