Some reproductive aspects of Melicertus kerathurus (Forskal, 1775) (Decapoda, penaeidae) inhabiting the Gulluk Bay (Aegean sea) of Turkey

Some reproductive aspects of Melicertus kerathurus (Forskal, 1775), a shrimp of high commercial value, were studied in Gulluk Bay throughout the fishing season from May 2005 to November 2005. A seasonal reproduction pattern was observed from May to October with a high percentage of mature females occurring between May and July, when water temperature was relatively high. During the study, a total of 700 specimens were captured: 414 (59.1%) females and 286 (40.9%) males. The largest female and male were 22.0 cm and 17.3 cm, respectively. The minimum size attained at first maturity for females was estimated to be 3.1 cm carapace length (CL) and 12.3 cm total length (TL). Sexual differences related to the lengthweight relationship were noted. The onset of sexual maturity for females was estimated to be CL50% =4.8 cm and TL50o/u = 17.8 cm.Some reproductive aspects of Melicertus kerathurus (Forskal, 1775), a shrimp of high commercial value, were studied in Gulluk Bay throughout the fishing season from May 2005 to November 2005. A seasonal reproduction pattern was observed from May to October with a high percentage of mature females occurring between May and July, when water temperature was relatively high. During the study, a total of 700 specimens were captured: 414 (59.1%) females and 286 (40.9%) males. The largest female and male were 22.0 cm and 17.3 cm, respectively. The minimum size attained at first maturity for females was estimated to be 3.1 cm carapace length (CL) and 12.3 cm total length (TL). Sexual differences related to the lengthweight relationship were noted. The onset of sexual maturity for females was estimated to be CL50% =4.8 cm and TL50o/u = 17.8 cm