Moult activity-related spawning success in the Mediterranean deep- water shrimp Aristeus antennatus (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata)

Abstract

Field specimens were obtained from an exploited population off the Catalan coast, Spain. It was found that females showed a marked reproductive seasonality while males showed potential for year-round reproductive activity. Moulting activity of both sexes was present throughout the year but increased in females during the reproductive period. Results suggest that, during the spawning period, moulting phenomena are most closely linked to reproduction rather than to growth. -from Author