SOME ASPECTS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE DEEP-WATER PINK SHRIMP PARAPENAEUS LONGIROSTRIS (LUCAS, 1846) (DECAPODA, PENAEIDAE) ON THE MONTENEGRIN SHELF

摘要

Some aspects of the reproductive biology of females of the deep-water pink shrimp, Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1846) from the Montenegrin shelf (southern Adriatic Sea) were investigated. Sampling was performed on a monthly basis from November 2006 to October 2007. A total of 13 trawl hauls covered a depth range of 40 to 250 m. An estimate of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed permanent reproductive activity all year round with two maxima, one in late spring and the other in autumn. The minimumreproductive activity occurred in June. Females outnumbered males in shallow waters, while at greater depths (> 100 m) the proportion of the sexes was almost equal; the overall sex ratio was 0.7 females : males. The size at which 50% of the female population reached maturity was at a carapace length (CL) of 21.9 mm, and the smallest mature female in the samples had a carapace length of 16 mm.