Biologia reprodutiva de Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) no reservatório da Pedra do Cavalo, município de Cabaceiras do Paraguaçu, BA

Abstract

The knowledge of the reproductive biology of Macrobrachium amazonicum (HELLER, 1862) constitutes a basic tool for the development of appropriate strategies of management, conservation and exploitation of this species. The aim of this study was to verify the reproductive biology of M. amazonicum sampled from Pedra do Cavalo Reservoir Cabaceiras do Paraguaçu (BA). Specimens were collected monthly from September 2008 to June 2009 with the aid of baited traps. A total of 3661 shrimps (462 males and 3199 females) were collected. The sex ratio was statistically different from 1:1 in almost every month always favoring the females.The reproductive period of the studied population can be characterized as continuous, with annual reproductive peaks during September and October, corresponding to dry season, and February, March and April, ie the rainy season. The fecundity ranged from 171 to 407 eggs (mean = 270.79 ± 71.65). The largest specimens sampled were females with 37.5 mm carapace, while males reached 20.2mm.