Biology of the deep-water shrimp heterocarpus ensifer (Caridea: Pandalidae) off the Canary, madeira and the Azores Islands (Northeastern Atlantic)

Abstract

An analysis of size and reproduction of Heterocarpus ensifer (Caridea: Pandalidae) off the Macaronesian archipelagos (Canary, Madeira, and the Azores islands, northeastern Atlantic) is done. The size range of samples was similar among the archipelagos studied, around 939 mm carapace length (CL). The carapace length/wet weight relationship showed a negative allometry in males and varied in females. One-way analysis of regression slopes (b) among archipelagos pointed out significant differences in all groups with the exception of males. Growth parameters indicated that males are smaller in size, but grow faster than females. Growth performance (Φ') estimates varied between 2.69 and 2.81, pointing out a very similar growth pattern among regions. Ovigerous females were present in all months sampled with a mass spawning period in spring and summer, which are the seasons when the water is warmer. Size at maturity was estimated in 22.4 mm CL for the Canary Islands and 25.7 mm CL for Madeira. In general, the life history of this deep-water species is similar in the three archipelagos. © 2009 The Crustacean Society.