Reproductive investment and fecundity of the red rock crab (Grapsus adscensionis) in Tenerife (Canary Islands, NE Atlantic Ocean)

Abstract

Red rock crabs (Grapsus adscensionis) were collected along the coast of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) throughout the sampling period, June 2010-May 2011, to investigate the breeding cycle and reproductive biology of this species. Sex ratio varied throughout the study period. The proportion of females raised during the spawning period, when the maximum number of ovigerous females was observed. A high positive correlation was found between the weight and size of ovigerous females and total number of eggs. Fecundity was calculated for 12 individuals, displaying a mean value of 975 ± 108 eggs per g of female, and obtaining a mean value of 69,000 eggs per female.