Categories
vol-32POPULATION BIOLOGY OF THE EDIBLE CRAB PORTUNUS
PELAGICUS (LINNAEUS) FROM BARDAWIL LAGOON,
NORTHERN SINAI, EGYPT
ABDEL RAZEK, F.A. *
; S.M. TAHA AND A.A. AMERAN
*
National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria, Egypt
*E-mail: [email protected]
Keyword: Bardawil lagoon, Portunus pelagicus, population structure, biology.
ABSTRACT
The crab production in Bardawil lagoon started with the beginning of 1986. It expanded
rapidly since 1995 with the increase of crab abundance in the lagoon. The crab catch
showed an increase from 491.7 tons in 1995 to 1321.8 tons during 2005. Portunus
pelagicus is the most economic species in the lagoon and considered recently as one of the
most valuable fishery recources in Bardawil lagoon. Crab population sizes ranged from 4.5
cm to 14.5 cm (C.W) of expected age 0+ and 1+ year doses. The recruitment appeared in
the population during January and August. The relationships between (C.L) and (C.W) is
linear in both sexes and this indicates isometric growth. Males were slightly heavier than
females. The smallest ripe female was found at 8.5 cm (C.W) and the smallest ovigorous
females at 9.6 cm (C.W). Mature females were observed from May to November with a
peak during August in the lagoon. The highest G.S.I index was found in August at size
range from 11.5 to 12.5 cm (C.W).
