Seasonal changes in somatic energy content of Munida subrugosa (Crustacea: Decapoda) in the Beagle Channel, Argentina.

CAROLINA ROMERO,; FEDERICO TAPELLA,; GUSTAVO ALEJANDRO LOVRICH

JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH

NATL SHELLFISHERIES ASSOC

Año: 2006 vol. 25 p. 101 - 106

0730-8000

Munida subrugosa is the most abundant benthic decapod crustacean in the Beagle Channel (55ºS, 68ºW), Tierra del Fuego. Due to its abundance and trophic position, this species plays a key role in the subantarctic benthic ecosystems. However, little is known about its energetic content and changes during the reproductive cycle. Samples of M. subrugosa were obtained in 2000-2001 by means of an epibenthic trawl. The dry mass (DW) and the energetic content (EC) (kJ · g-1 Ash Free Dry Weight) of the whole adult animals, and tissues and organs of females were measured throughout one year. Furthermore, the EC investment of adults at the time of maximum gonadal development was evaluated. The EC was measured using a calorimetric bomb. The mean DW and EC for M. subrugosa was 76.4 ± 23.2 mg · mm LC–1 and 18.9 ± 1.4 kJ ∙ g-1, respectively. Both DW and EC for the whole adult animals varied significantly throughout the year. These variations were related to seasonal feeding, reproduction and growth. The hepatopancreas in M. subrugosa is used as an energetic storage organ, since both DM and EC increased before vitellogenesis and molting.  The energetic flow throughout the subanctartic benthic ecosystems and the role of Munida subrugosa in there is discussed.