Size at Sexual Maturity in the Red Mangrove Crab Neosarmatium meinerti (De Man, 1887) (Brachyura: Grapsidae)

Abstract

The sesarmid crab Neosarmatium meinertiis one of the most abundant species inhabiting the upper mangrove areas of many East African mangrove forests. However, several aspects concerning its reproduction are scarcely known. In this study, sexual maturity of N. meinerti is investigated. Samples were obtained during January and February 2002 at Saco da Inhaca mangrove, Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique. A total of 395 crabs were examined for gonad maturation. The mean size at sexual maturity was estimated at 17.3 mm for males and 15.6 mm CW for females.

Keywords: Grapsidae, sexual maturity, Neosarmatium meinerti, reproduction

West Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science Vol. 4 (2) 2005: pp. 207-210