Naslov
Reproductive cycle of the marble crayfish from an established population in Croatia

Autori
Cvitanić, Marija ; Hudina, Sandra ; Maguire, Ivana

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
21st Symposium of the International Association of Astacology - Program and book of abstracts / Javier Diéguez-Uribeondo - Madrid : Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid, 2016, 48-48

Skup
21st Symposium of the International Association of Astacology

Mjesto i datum
Madrid, Španjolska, 05.09.2016. - 08.09.2016

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
marbled crayfish; reproductive cycle; freshwater invasion

Sažetak
The marble crayfish (Procambarus fallax f. virginalis) is a relatively new non-indigenous crayfish species that has established populations in Europe. Until today, it is the only known decapod species with parthenogenetic reproduction. Established population of marble crayfish was recently discovered in a gravel pit in Northwest Croatia. Apart from parthenogenetic reproduction, the invasion success of this species stems from its early maturation, and higher fecundity compared to other crayfish species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the year cycle of the marble crayfish in Croatia, and its potential (number of ovarian eggs) and realized fecundity (number of pleopodal eggs and juveniles). Our results show that all 140 examined individuals were reproductively active during the whole sampling period. Peaks of reproduction activity were recorded from September to November, when both individuals with pleopodal eggs or juveniles as well as individuals with ripe ovarian eggs were recorded. The smallest reproductively active female was 40.81 mm TL, while reproductive output increased with size (TL). The average number of ovarian eggs was 297. The average number of pleopodal eggs was 15% lower than the number of ovarian eggs, while number of juveniles attached to pleopods was reduced by 50% from ovarian egg count. This represents a lower brood loss compared to other crayfish species. Due to almost constant reproduction, early maturation and relatively high potential and realized fecundity in an established population in Croatia, the marble crayfish represents a major threat to the surrounding waterbodies and their native crayfish fauna.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA