Reproductive biology of the crab Halicarcinus planatus (Brachyura, Hymenosomatidae) in sub-Antarctic waters

MARIANO J. DIEZ; GUSTAVO A. LOVRICH

POLAR BIOLOGY

SPRINGER

Año: 2010 vol. 33 p. 389 - 401

0722-4060

Halicarcinus planatus is the only member ofthe family Hymenosomatidae that occurs in the southerntip of South America. The aim of this study is to determineboth the reproductive cycle and reproductive traits of thepopulation of H. planatus nearest to southern limit of itsgeographical distribution. Results of this work allow us todetermine two consecutive reproductive periods in thisspecies. Maximum values of gonadosomatic index, oocytediameter and ovarian development in March and Augustindicate that spawning takes place in May and September.The simultaneous ovarian maturity and the embryonicdevelopment show that female H. planatus can re-matureits ovary. The capability of H. planatus to develop theirovaries while females are ovigerous is a unique featureamong the sub-Antarctic decapods and probably an adaptativeadvantage to extreme environments. Based on thedifferent biological features and recent environmentalchanges along the Western Antarctic Peninsula, ourhypothesis is that H. planatus possesses the potential toinvade shallow waters and intertidal zones in this region.