Studies on the reproductive dynamics of Pleoticus muelleri (Bate, 1888) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Solenoceridae) of Patagonia, Argentina

FERNÁNDEZ, M.; IORIO, M.I.; HERNÁNDEZ, D.; MACCHI, G. J.

LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC RESEARCH

UNIV CATOLICA DE VALPARAISO

Lugar: Valparaíso; Año: 2012 vol. 40 p. 858 - 871

0718-560X

Certain aspects of the reproductive dynamics of Argentine red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri (Spence Bate, 1888) distributed between 42°S-47°S and 62ºW-coastline were investigated. Data and samples were colleted during 36 INIDEP research cruises and 87 commercial fishing fleet trips between 1994-2010. Mature and inseminated females size structure as well as the frequency distribution of macroscopic maturity stages of adult females were analyzed on spatial and temporal bases. The seasonal development of ovarian maturity stages microscopically determinated was also assessed. Statistical treatment of data included multivariate scaling and cluster analysis. The shrimp´s reproductive activity has latitudinal differences in its onset and duration that could be associated with the variability of environmental conditions. A shoreward movement of spawning females related to the presence of coastal hydrographic processes that would ensure retention and food for survival of early life stages, is discussed.