Title: Variation in body composition and exoskeleton mineralization as functions of the molt and reproductive cycles of the noble crayfish, Astacus astacus L. (Decapoda, astacidae), from a pond in central finland
Abstract: 1. Male and those female crayfish (Astacus astacus) not reproductively active during the previous autumn molt in early summer while egg bearing females do not molt until mid-summer after the young are released, in central Finland. 2. Organic reserves in hepatopanceas (digestive gland) are much higher in premolt and intermolt males and previously non-reproductive females preparing to produce ova than premolt and intermolt females that were reproductively active during the preceding year. The percentages of moisture in the hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle range from 53–83% and 75–84%, respectively, in males and females depending on molt stage and reproductive status. 3. Lipid, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude carbohydrate, and total energy of hepatopancreas samples were approximately 15–20, 0.5, 0.5, 4–5, 1.0, and 1.0–1.5 times, respectively, the levels recorded in abdominal muscle samples. Ranges for hepatopancreas values were: 289–457 mg/g dry weight; 3.7–4.8 g/100g; 24–36 g/100g; 44–63 g/100g; 6–19g/100g; and 2670–3150 kJ/100 g, respectively. 4. The amount of mineral matter is similar in the intermolt (stage C) carapaces, dorsal abdominal terga, and chelae of males and females (73–79%) although chelae have 1–3% more mineral matter. Carapace mineral matter declines 5–10% during early phases of the premolt period (stage D).
Publication Year: 1990
Publication Date: 1990-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 35
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