Abstract
AbstractThe slipper lobster Scyllarus arctus is an important fishery resource in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula), with a large reduction of its populations in recent decades in the North-east Atlantic and Mediterranean, but only limited information on its reproduction. This study provides an analysis of the reproductive potential of this scyllarid during two breeding cycles (2008 and 2009) in the NE Atlantic (43°20′N 8°50′W). We studied several reproductive traits (fecundity, brood weight, egg weight and volume) in broods with eggs both in an early and late embryonic stage, in relation to female size and temporal variations. Total output (fecundity and weight) and egg weight were closely linked to maternal size, and this relationship remained in broods with late-stage eggs. In relation to temporal variations, our data revealed an important seasonal variability in fecundity and egg weight, showing an inverse pattern in the reproductive strategy in the first two seasons of the reproductive period, with a maximum egg weight in winter (December–February) and a maximum number of eggs produced in spring (April–May). A predictive model for realized fecundity was developed: log (FE) = 0.064 + 2.907 log (length)−0.018 Month2 + 0.174 Month, which accounted for over 90% of variation in the total data.
Highlights
Scyllarids have been poorly studied, in comparison to spiny and clawed lobsters (MacDiarmid & Sainte-Marie, 2006), and the existing information is limited to a few commercially relevant species in the genera Ibacus (Leach, 1815), Scyllarides (Gill, 1898) and Thenus (Leach, 1816) (Sekiguchi et al, 2007)
In the particular case of Scyllarus arctus (Linnaeus, 1758), its increased commercial relevance can be confirmed by its high market values (€60 kg−1, approximate average price at first sale, and maximum of €188 kg−1, between 2001 and 2019 in Galicia, NW Iberian Peninsula), the abundance of catches has not allowed for the development of a monospecific fishery
The presence of females with broods showing eggs in early and late stages in all the seasons analysed in this study is in concordance with the extended spawning period shown by Scyllarus arctus in the Mediterranean, which practically encompasses the whole year, except for autumn, a season during which a peak moult could take place prior to the start of a new reproductive period (Vilotte, 1982; Mura et al, 1984; Cau et al, 1988)
Summary
Scyllarids have been poorly studied, in comparison to spiny and clawed lobsters (MacDiarmid & Sainte-Marie, 2006), and the existing information is limited to a few commercially relevant species in the genera Ibacus (Leach, 1815), Scyllarides (Gill, 1898) and Thenus (Leach, 1816) (Sekiguchi et al, 2007) This is due to scyllarids traditionally having been regarded as secondary targets for fisheries. In the particular case of Scyllarus arctus (Linnaeus, 1758), its increased commercial relevance can be confirmed by its high market values (€60 kg−1, approximate average price at first sale, and maximum of €188 kg−1, between 2001 and 2019 in Galicia, NW Iberian Peninsula), the abundance of catches has not allowed for the development of a monospecific fishery Captures of this scyllarid in Galicia are accessory and associated with coastal artisanal fisheries using octopus traps or trammel nets. Despite some local regulation measures, the size of populations of this species on the Galician coast has been reduced (personal communication from fishermen), as has been observed in the archipelago of the Azores (Santos et al, 1995) as well as in some coastal areas in the Mediterranean (Lloret & Riera, 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
