Maturation process and reproductive cycle
in two marine crabs, Portunus (Portunus)
sanguinolentus (Herbst) and Portunus (Portunus)
pelagicus (Linnaeus) along the Karnataka coast
In the development of ovary of Portunus (Portunus) sanguinolentus and
P. (P.) pelagicus, six maturity stages have been recognised by gross examination,
i.e., immature virgins, immature resting, early maturing, late
maturing, mature and spent. By microscopical studies, nine arbitrary stages
have been identifed in the maturation process of ovary. In the development
of testis, three maturity stages have been discernible, i. e., immature, maturing
and mature. The spawning season is exended from August to May in both the
species with intensive activity during December-February in the former and
during January-February and September in the latter species