Depth zonation in a Parapandalus narval (Crustacea, Decapoda, Pandalidae) population from Rhodos Island, Greece

• Main Authors: Thessalou-Legaki, M., Frantzis, A., Nassiokas, K., Hatzinikolaou, S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 1989
• Subjects: narval
• Online Access: https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/uoadl:3011917

The population characteristics of Parapandalus narval are related to depth. Sex ratio (females/males and females) decreases with depth, while female size increases. Dry weight of equal sized individuals decreases with depth. For the 23 and 80 + 140 m females, the relative dry weight reduction was estimated to 10·3% and 16·0% compared to that of the 5 m females, respectively. Males (80-220 m) exhibited the greatest reduction of 19·9%. It is suggested that the depth zonation exhibited by the P. narval population is related to habitat differences along the depth range sampled and has to do with the exploitation of the available food resources by different sex and/or size groups. © 1989.