Population structure and life history parameters of the broad-clawed porcelain crab Porcellana platycheles (Pennant, 1777) (Decapoda: Anomura: Porcellanidae) in the intertidal zone of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Abstract

The size of individuals of the intertidal broad-clawed porcelain crab (Porcellana platycheles (Pennant, 1777)) shows great variability on the island of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, with individuals significatively larger in the north than in the south of the island. Males showed higher carapace length and width as well as weight than females. Females predominated over males, with a sex ratio of 1:1.5. Ovigerous females were observed only from November to April, with a peak of abundance in January and a secondary one in April. The growth pattern of crabs varied from positive allometric (north and eastern coasts) to isometric (southern coast). Both sexes also showed different growth patterns, being positive allometric in males, negative allometric to isometric in females.