REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE GONADS OF THE FRESHWATER CRAB, BARYTELPHUSA CUNICULARIS (WESTWOOD, 1836)

Abstract

The annual breeding cycle of the crab, Barytelphusa cunicularis, was determined
by measuring monthly the size of the gpnad relative to the size of the
animal. The peak of gonad size appeared in rainy season (June to September)
showing the maximum breeding activity during these months. Histological observations
of the monthly gonads revealed that the ripening of the gonads started
during March and extended upto May. By June the gonads of most of the
individuals attained full maturity and spawning began. Spawning terminated by
the end of September and the gonads entered a quiescent period.
Monthly changes in the boichemical constituents of gonads were studied
for one year to determine their variability in the course of the reproductive cycle.
During the ripening of the gonads, glycogen, fat and protein contents were high.
During spawning period all values fell considerably reaching the minimum values
at the end of spawning season. During the maturation of the gonads glycogen,
fat and protein contents were increased