Reproductive biology and growth of the deep-water shrimp Solenocera melantho in the East China Sea.

摘要

Reproductive biology, size at sexual maturity, and growth of the deep-water shrimp Solenocera melantho were studied in the East China Sea. The spawning season continues from July to November, with peaks during late August to November. Size at sexual maturity (CL₅₀), determined from the proportions of ovigerous females and of females with maturing ovaries, was estimated at 28.7 mm. The sex ratio was close to 1:1, with males slightly more abundant than females. Parameters of growth were estimated by the modified von Bertalanffy growth function, incorporating seasonal variation in growth. Females grew faster and reached a larger size at age than males (K=1.14/y and L _infinity =46.75 mm in carapace length for females, and K=1.26/y and L _infinity =33.6 mm in carapace length for males). Maximum life span was estimated at 2.43 y for females and 2.20 y for males. The S. melantho population in the East China Sea has different values of asymptotic length and growth coefficients in comparison with other local populations of this species.