Semi-annual breeding pattern in the burrowing sand crab <i>Albunea symmysta</i> (L.) (= <i>symnista</i>) of Madras Coast

Abstract

<i>Albunea symmysta</i> breeds continuously in the Madras Coast, Tamil Nadu, India. Two distinct reproductive peaks, one in January and another in July reveal a semi-annual breeding pattern. During October to December, the ovarian activity is very minimal and in many females the ovary is in a degenerating condition. Frequency of ovigerous females is as low as 25%, even during the peak reproductive season. Frequent oosorption probably due to failure of mating among the vitellogenic females is suggested to be the causative factor for the poor reproductive success in this sand crab.