Reproductive dynamics of the southern pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus subtilis in northeastern Brazil

Abstract

This study focused on the reproductive dynamics of southern pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus subtilis populations off the coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. F. subtilis specimens were collected each month between August 2011 and July 2012 by an artisanal fishing vessel. A total of 1246 specimens were collected, of which the majority (56%) were females, and which were significantly larger than the males. Ovary maturation, based on histological and visual criteria, was classified into 4 stages — I: immature, II: maturing, III: mature, and IV: spent. Mature gonads were found in the females throughout the year, but at a higher proportion during the warmer months (October March). A higher proportion of juveniles were observed between December and April. The mean total body length at first gonadal maturation in female pink shrimp was estimated to be 11.9 cm. These findings could be used to help guide the development of fishery management policies for F. subtilis in the region.