Golden Crab Research Articles

Morphology of seminal receptacle of the harvested golden crab Chaceon chilensis and its implication in the fertilization process

AbstractThe external and internal architecture of crab seminal receptacles are closely associated with mating behavior, sperm transfer, and storage patterns, and ultimately reproductive success. Therefore, describing their anatomy contributes to the development of a greater understanding of crab reproductive biology. In this study, we describe the anatomy and tissue characteristics of the seminal receptacle of the golden crab Chaceon chilensis, a harvested deep‐sea species from the Juan Fernández Archipelago (off central Chile). Females in the late mature stage were used as reference for histological description. Morphological features of the seminal receptacle included: (1) a dorsal receptacle–oviduct connection, (2) velum and septum separating the dorsal and ventral chambers, (3) extensive glandular epithelium in both chambers, (4) a ribbed chitin line, (5) a highly folded, bilobulated ventral chamber, and (6) a simple‐type vagina. Some of these traits (2, 3, 4, 5) are novel for crab receptacles and could contradict the generalized idea about the pattern of sperm precedence associated with the location of the receptacle–oviduct connection. External sperm plugs were not found in mature females, but variations in the color of opercula occluding the vulva were used to assess sexual maturity. The seminal receptacle of C. chilensis has an unusual internal morphology with vast sperm storage capacity and separate storage areas for sperm ejaculates, which could allow for cryptic female choice. In cases like these, male–male competition is usually intense and males deliver large quantities of sperm in each mating event, which makes them vulnerable to sperm depletion.

Distribution and Habitat Use of the Golden Crab Chaceon fenneri off Eastern Florida Based on in situ Submersible and ROV Observations and Potential for Impacts to Deep Water Coral/Sponge Habitat

Distribution and Habitat Use of the Golden Crab Chaceon fenneri off Eastern Florida Based on in situ Submersible and ROV Observations and Potential for Impacts to Deep Water Coral/Sponge Habitat

Renegotiating property rights in the Florida golden crab fishery

The golden crab ( Chaceon fenneri ) supports a small, economically healthy fishery in south Florida. Crabbers in the fishery have successfully protected themselves against larger outside fishing interests in the past, and management has been stable for over fifteen years. Why, then, did a portion of the fleet propose shifting to individual transferable quotas (ITQs)? Our findings suggest that proponents sought ITQ management because they believed it would further limit the ability of other crabbers to enter the fishery and act as a mechanism to legally preserve the informal and formal property rights that they have previously negotiated among themselves. Opponents believed that a shift to an ITQ regime would destroy those same property rights. We explore the implications of these findings to a broader understanding of property rights and natural resource management institutions, noting that the currently existing system closely resembles a territorial use rights fishery (TURF).

Renegotiating property rights in the Florida golden crab fishery

<p class="Normal1">The golden crab (<em>Chaceon fenneri</em>) supports a small, economically healthy fishery in south Florida. Crabbers in the fishery have successfully protected themselves against larger outside fishing interests in the past, and management has been stable for over fifteen years. Why, then, did a portion of the fleet propose shifting to individual transferable quotas (ITQs)? Our findings suggest that proponents sought ITQ management because they believed it would further limit the ability of other crabbers to enter the fishery and act as a mechanism to legally preserve the informal and formal property rights that they have previously negotiated among themselves. Opponents believed that a shift to an ITQ regime would destroy those same property rights. We explore the implications of these findings to a broader understanding of property rights and natural resource management institutions, noting that the currently existing system closely resembles a territorial use rights fishery (TURF).

Size structure and sexual maturity of the golden crab (Chaceon chilensis) exploited off Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

Golden crab ( Chaceon chilensis ) specimens were analyzed after being caught with traps by artisanal fishermen off Robinson Crusoe Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile. Of the 13,027 individuals caught between 300 and 1,000 m depth, 97.9% were male (12,754) and the rest female (273). The carapace length (CL) of the sampled crabs was measured and, on average, the males (CL: 118.9 mm) were larger than the females (CL: 94.3 mm). On the north side of the island, the specimens presented lower average sizes (112.2 mm) whereas, in the remaining zones, the average carapace lengths were similar (CL: 117.1-119.5 mm). In bathymetric terms, an increasing trend was seen between average size and depth, with sizes over 123 mm CL found beginning at 750 m depth. A comparison of linear regressions between the carapace length and chela length of males revealed physical maturity at 100 mm CL, whereas a numerical analysis showed the size at first sexual maturity (SSM 50% ) to be 109 mm CL.

Crecimiento, mortalidad y evaluación de la población de cangrejo dorado (Chaceon chilensis) explotado en el archipiélago de Juan Fernández, Chile

Monthly information on the size composition of golden crab (Chaceon chilensis) catches compiled while monitoring the artisanal fishery (July 2005 through May...

Note on the fisheries and biology of the golden crab (Chaceon fenneri) off the northern coast of Brazil

Note on the fisheries and biology of the golden crab (Chaceon fenneri) off the northern coast of Brazil

Size structure and sexual maturity of the golden crab (Chaceon chilensis) exploited off Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

Size structure and sexual maturity of the golden crab (Chaceon chilensis) exploited off Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

Size structure and sexual maturity of the golden crab (Chaceon chilensis) exploited off Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

Size structure and sexual maturity of the golden crab (Chaceon chilensis) exploited off Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

Note on the fisheries and biology of the golden crab (Chaceon fenneri) off the northern coast of Brazil

Note on the fisheries and biology of the golden crab (Chaceon fenneri) off the northern coast of Brazil

Note on the fisheries and biology of the golden crab (Chaceon fenneri) off the northern coast of Brazil

The occurrence of golden crabs ( Chaceon fenneri ) off the northern coast of Brazil was first reported in 2001. Since then, a few companies and boats have exploited this resource. In the state of Ceara, one company has been fishing for these crabs with a single boat since 2003. The production and fishing effort of this company indicated a decrease in the number of trips and total catches per year. Data collected on one trip in 2006 showed that the CPUE was highest at over 650 m depth. As registered for other geryonid crabs, C. fenneri was segregated by sex along the northern slope of Brazil. Male crabs were significantly larger than females, presenting an isometric relationship between carapace width and length and an allometric relationship between carapace width and body weight.

Pesca exploratoria con trampas alrededor de las islas Robinson Crusoe y Santa Clara, archipiélago de Juan Fernández, Chile

Looking for alternative resources to the Juan Fernandez spiny rock lobster ( Jasus frontalis), the traditional target species of the artisanal fishermen of the archipelago, an exploratory fishing campaign with fishing pots was conducted around Robinson Crusoe and Santa Clara islands. Between November 11, 1996, and March 23, 1997, a total of 71 fishing journeys were conducted, during which 241 pots were set between 50 and 1000 m depth. In these experiences different pot designs were used: conical-trunk, tetragonal, piramidal, and lobster pots with a wicket on one extreme and lobster pot with an upper wicket. The last two, are the ones often used by the archipelago fishermen to catch lobsters. The conical-trunk, tetragonal and piramidal pots were with circular or rectangular wickets. The resources caught were: Juan Fernandez spiny rock lobster ( Jasus frontalis), Juan Fernandez king crab (Paromola rathbuni), rowing crab (Ovalipes trimaculatus) and golden crab (Chaceon chilensis). The spiny rock lobster was captured between 50 and 100 m depth, while the rowing crab was found only in the 100 m isobath; Juan Fernandez king crab between 100 and 300 m and the golden crab between 200 and 1000 m. The only resource with fishing interest is C. chilensis, both by its abundance as well as for its wide distribution in depth and around these islands.

Composición y vida útil de carne cocida de cangrejo dorado (Chaceon chilensis) proveniente del archipiélago de Juan Fernández, Chile

Chemical composition, meat yield, and shelf-life of under utilized crustacean golden ( Chaceon chilensis) from Juan Fernandez archipelago were determined. Proteins, lipids, ash, moisture content, total volatile bases (TVBN), ammonia and indol were determined. Golden crab was cooked in boiling water and then divided in two groups: a) In sample 1, meat was removed by hand after boiling and then stored at 4-6oC; b) In sample 2 whole cooked crab was stored at the same temperature. Sensory evaluation was carried out with a semi-trained panel judging for, odor, flavor, texture and color. Non differences were found between golden and common crab ( Homalapsis plana) composition. Meat yield was 25,1%, but claws presented a greater yield when compared with legs and body. Shelf-life of removed meat and whole crab were 3 to 4 days and 5 to 6 days respectively. In both, the TVBN were the chemical index most representative of quality variation. From the point of view of this research, the commercial perspective could be similar to the common crab.

Estimación de abundancia y biomasa del cangrejo dorado (Chaceon chilensis), en el archipiélago de Juan Fernández, Chile

The fishery-biology aspects of the Juan Fernandez golden crab ( Chaceon chilensis), and first estimates of the abundance and biomass of this resource distributed in the marine substrate surrounding Robinson Crusoe and Santa Clara islands are given. Information was obtained from samples taken within an experimental fishing survey for this crustacean, between 175 to 600 m depth, from March to June 1997. The theoretical area of influence methodology was used to estimate the abundance and biomass. Due to the degree of uncertainty of the variables employed, some parameters were sensibilized in order to obtain a range of estimates, along with its most likely value. Results indicate that the fishery of this resource is characterized by its catch mainly composed by males (97,8%), in the different types of traps used as well as in the whole bathymetric range surveyed. Specimens' length were between 84 and 147 mm of cephalothoraxic length. Maximum and minimum observed total weights were 250 and 1410 g respectively. The mean weight of a specimen (male) was 863 g. First most likely estimate of the golden crab available biomass, having sensibilized the area of influence of the trap, was determined to be 995,3 tons, that is a mean density of 2,9 individual/ 1000 m 2 and a maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of 75 tons. In the worst of the estimates scenery a MSY of 19 tons was obtained, and in the most optimistic scenery it reached 168 tons.

Factibilidad técnica y financiera de explotación del cangrejo dorado de Juan Fernández (Chaceon chilensis)

The technical and financial feasibility of the golden crab fishery (Chaceon chilensis in Juan Fernandez's archipelago was analyzed. To evaluate the investment project, a systemic approach was used to analyze and to structure this situation problem. It was considered feasible an annual production of 14,4 ton of pieces of crab (pincers and legs), cooked and frozen without shell, in portions of 1/2 and 3/4 pounds; and 33,6 ton of crab meat, cooked and frozen in blocks of 1 and 2 pounds. For this production, the raw material would be supply by the extractive activity of 10 artisanal fishing crafts, which would operate in complementary form or alternative to the lobster fishing. The project is high sensitive to the prices of the products and the prices of the raw material. A great proportion of the investment is due to the work capital dedicated to the raw material purchase it prevails, in values that the fishermen allow to absorb the investment in technological innovations required to prepare the artisanal fishing craft. The results of the financial evaluation indicate that a probability of 73% of success of the investment would exist, being calculated a IRR of 49%, a ROI of 1,73 and a NPV of 17.538,6 UF, equivalent at $238.963.970 chilean pesos.

Pesca experimental del cangrejo dorado (Chaceon chilensis) en el archipiélago de Juan Fernández, Chile

Between March and June 1997, several experiments were conducted to determine the most suitable gear for the capture of the golden crab ( Chaceon chilensis) in surrounding waters of the Juan Fernandez archipelago (Chi- le). During this period, 45 fishing journeys and 446 traps were held, obtaining a total catch of 2630 specimens, equivalent to 2353 kg. The experimental fishing operations were done comparing seven trap designs: a) Conical trunk with upper rectangular entrance, b) Conical trunk with upper circular entrance, c) Conical trunk with upper plastic tunnel opening, d) Tetragonal with two lateral rectangular openings, e) Tetragonal with two lateral circular openings, f) Lobster-type with one end opening, and g) Lobster-type with one upper opening. The first five were constructed with steel frames and covered with 1,5 inch mesh netting, and the last two, were the ones commonly used by the fishermen of these islands, built with wood from local trees. Trap designs with which the largest yields were obtained were the conical trunk with plastic tunnel (7,08 crabs/trap) and the lobster-type (5,08 kg/trap), both with openings in the upper part. It was also determined that there were significant differences in yields by depth stratum, with maximum values (7,52 kg/trap) in the range of 526-575 m and minimum (4,04 kg/trap), between 226 and 275 m. Results showed that it is feasible to commercially exploit this crab.

Size and Weight Relationships for the Golden Crab, Chaceon fenneri, and the Red Crab, Chaceon quinquedens, from the Eastern Gulf of Mexico

Carapace length, carapace width, and weight relationships are discussed for the golden crab, Chaceon fenneri, and the red crab, Chaceon quinquedens, from the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Males of both species were significantly larger than females in comparisons of means of all measured parameters. Relationships between carapace length and carapace width, carapace length and weight, and carapace width and weight were similar between Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico populations for both species.

DEPTH-STRATIFIED POPULATION STRUCTURE OF GERYONID CRABS IN THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO

ABSTRACT Manned submersible transects and synchronous trap-sampling were conducted in the eastern Gulf of Mexico along 5 depth contours on the upper continental slope, during September 1986 and 1987. Female golden crabs, Chaceon fenneri, were more abundant at 350 m and 445 m than at 550, 675, or 780 m. Male golden crabs were most abundant at 550 m. On the average, the largest crabs of each sex were caught near 350 m. More mated pairs (50%) were observed in situ along the deepest 2 contours than expected by chance alone. Within the bathymetric range of golden crabs, crab abundance may be related more to habitat type than to depth. The greatest density (36.5 crabs/ha) occurred on or near hard-bottom canyon features. Red crabs, Chaceon quinquedens, occurred only at 675 m and 780 m on heavily bioturbated soft sediments, with the largest of each sex at 675 m. Male red crabs outnumbered females, but depth did not affect the number caught. Golden and red crabs also differed in their refuging habits and responses to being disturbed. We suggest that bathymetric patterns in sex and size within geryonid populations reflect, in part, severe male-male competition for mates and alternative mating strategies for males.

Ovary of the golden crab, Chaceon fenneri: I. Post-spawning and oosorption.

Oosorption has been considered an important strategy in many invertebrate species which occurs in response to behavioral, ecological, or physiological factors. In crustaceans, the early light microscopic studies of the ovary attributed a role in oosorption to follicle cells, hemocytes, or phagocytes. In this study, ovaries were collected from female golden crabs following spawning and processed for examination by electron microscopy. Following spawning, several unspawned oocytes which had become dissociated from their follicle cells were found in the ovaries. They appeared to be lodged within the lumen. Such oocytes were observed undergoing various stages of autolysis. At no time were hemocytes or recognizable phagocytes found in the lumen of the ovaries or in contact with the degenerating oocytes. Follicle cells which had surrounded the oocytes prior to the time of spawning exhibited disrupted membranes. Resorption of unspawned eggs appears to occur by autolysis of the individual oocytes. Several of the females who had recently spawned had numerous sperm in their ovaries. Such sperm may have been pressed into the lumen at the time of spawning or during the fixation process.

Distributional Differences and Population Similarities for Two Deep-Sea Crabs (Family Geryonidae) in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico

For golden crab, Chaceon fenneri, and red crab, Chaceon quinquedens, numbers per trap, sex, and crab size were tested for broad bathymetric, geographic, and seasonal patterns on the upper continental slope, northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Red crab occupied only the deepest of three sampled depths (i.e. 677 m vs. 494 and 311 m) while golden crab predominated at the upper two. Golden crab occurred adjacent to peninsular Florida, but not along the northern Gulf slope, while red crab occurred across the geographic arc sampled. Relative abundance increased southward for golden crab and northwestward for red crab, while the proportion of females increased counter-clockwise within the sampled range of each species. Golden crab exhibited a Chaceon-typical bathymetric pattern of partial sex segregation and size inversely related to depth, but male and female bathymetric patterns shifted seasonally with lags between geographic areas. Interspecific competition cannot explain the species depth zonation, while geographic and seasonal patterns may relate to Loop Current–Florida Current circulation.