Reproductive variability of Parapandalus narval (Crustacea: Decapoda) along a depth gradient

• Main Author: Thessalou-Legaki, M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 1992
• Subjects: narval
• Online Access: https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/uoadl:3011768

The variations of the reproductive parameters of Parapandalus narval are studied from a population off Rhodos Island, Greece. Female size (CL), dry weight (FDW) and depth of occurrence are examined as determinants of the reproductive parameters such as the percentage of ovigerous females, the stage of egg maturation, the brood size and the reproductive effort. The percentage of the ovigerous females and the egg maturation are related to depth. More ovigerous, older females with larger eggs in earlier stages of development are found in deeper waters. Nevertheless, brood size or brood dry weight regressions on female size and dry weight, respectively, show that the shallow water reproductive output increases more steeply with size or weight of the females than does that in deeper waters. Finally, the reproductive effort of Parapandalus narval does not seem to be directly related to depth but it is related to the size of the female. Small females have smaller reproductive effort than bigger ones that reach a maximum value. © 1992 Academic Press Limited.