Life Cycle of Liocarcinus arcuatus (Brachyura: Portunidae) in the Ría de Arousa (Galicia, NW Spain): Role of Beach and Mussel Raft Culture Areas |
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| Authors: | J Freire R Muiño L Fernández E González-Gurriarán |
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| Institution: | Dpto. Bioloxfa Animal, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruna. E-15071-A Coruna, Spain. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. The population biology of the portunid crab Liocarcinus arcuatus is analyzed over a yearly cycle in beach zones and mussel raft culture areas in the Ria de Arousa.
The breeding cycle of this species has two annual peaks, which result in two annual cohorts that are recruited in different areas. The growth rate is higher in the group settled in spring than in autumn, and, especially, in the culture areas compared with the beach zones. There are movements from the beach zones to the raft polygons related to reproductive and feeding behavior as well as growth. The role of mussel culture in the dynamics of this species is discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Population studies mussel culture influence Liocarcinus arcuatus Brachyura NW Spain |
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