Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
2005, Vol 5, Num, 2 (Pages: 85-89)
Morphometric and Meristic Studies in Two Crabs: Cardiosoma armatum and Callinectes pallidus
Gbemisola Akin-Oriola 1 ,Martins Anetekhai 1 ,Kemi Olowonirejuaro 1
1 Department of Fisheries, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria
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Crabs are non-target species in artisanal and trawl fisheries in West Africa and are a common component of the
invertebrate fauna. Information on morphometric, meristic and length-weight characteristics of crabs is required for
assessment of the fishery. Maximum carapace length was 6.0 cm (4.38±0.04 cm) in Cardiosoma armatum and 7.0 cm
(5.17±0.04 cm) in Callinectes pallidus. Mean body weights were 110.21±4.14 g and 126.27±4.01 g, respectively. All body
proportions and counts except the right chelae diameter were significantly different (p≤ 0.05) in the two species. Heterochely
was observed with both species. C. armatum showed a tendency towards left-handedness (53%) while C. pallidus was
definitely right-handed (79%). Sexually dimorphic characters such as chelae diameter were higher in males of C. armatum
than in males of C. pallidus. Conversely, body weight, chelae diameter and condition factor were significantly higher in
males of C. pallidus. In the mixed population, length-weight relationships indicated positive allometric growth (b < 3) in C.
armatum and a positive isometric growth pattern in C. pallidus (b=3).
Keywords :
Body measurements, length-weight relationships, sexual differentiation, decapods