Reproductive Biology of Ovigerous Female Emerita emeritus (Crustacea, Decapoda) in Bengkulu Coastal Waters, Indonesia: Egg Production and Reproductive Output

Abstract

Emerita emeritus is an abundant species in Bengkulu coastal waters, but the knowledge of its reproductive biology is poor. The present study was conducted to elucidate the reproductive aspects of ovigerous female E. emeritus, including fecundity, egg volume and reproductive output. This study was conducted between January 2015 and January 2016 in Bengkulu coastal waters, Indonesia. Samples were collected manually using shovels and hands. The results showed that ovigerous females occurred every month. Fecundity increased significantly in ovigerous females proportional to the size. No correlation was shown between sea surface temperature and egg production. Fecundity and reproductive output decreased throughout the embryonic development.