Population dynamics of the Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria (De Haan, 1844) in the coastal area of Goheung, Korea

Abstract

Population dynamics of the Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria (De Haan, 1844), were investigated from February 2020 to June 2021 in Goheung, Korea. A total of 3,197 samples (1,521 males and 1,676 females) were collected during the period. The number of females was observed frequently than males, showing the ratio of 1.1 : 1 (P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between temperature and population size (P < 0.05), but no significant correlation between salinity and population size (P > 0.05). The slopes of the linear regression of carapace length (CL) and body weight (BW) between males and females showed significant difference in allometric growth. The parameters of Von Bertalanffy growth function were CL_∞=41.52 mm, K=0.67 yr^(-1), C=0.41, and WP=0.23 for males, and CL_∞=35.1 mm, K=0.82 yr^(-1), C=0.38 and WP=0.12 for females. The growth performance index (φ&apos;) was 3.06 in males and 3.00 in females. The recruitment pattern showed two peaks per year. The GSI values was monthly varied, showing highest values in April to June, and lowest in February. The size at sexual maturity (CL50) was calculated as 24.43 mm. Fecundity was determined as a function of CL, resulting an equation of Fecundity =3.1773×CL^(3.0018).