Fecundity analysis done in relation to shell size displayed confident correlations (Fig

6). Fecundity was significantly higher |$(P = 0.001) \ $| in ovigerous females occupying heavier shells |$( <\rm>\gt 3.0 \ <\rm>)$|? . Significant differences |$(P \lt 0.05)$| were registered in fecundity of ovigerous females of different sizes. The number of eggs produced by ovigerous females measuring more than 3.1-mm SL was higher |$(P = 0.001)$| than the fecundity of those females measuring 1.8- to 3.0-mm SL. In relation to the shell species, the fecundity of the ovigerous females in L. nassa and P. auritula shells (the larger ones) was not significantly different, nor was that of the ovigerous females occupying C. atratum and M. nodulosa shells. However, the number of eggs produced by the ovigerous females inhabiting P. auritula shells was significant higher |$(P = 0.001)$| than the fecundity of those in C. atratum and M. nodulosa.

Regarding how big the folks, this new fecundity of ovigerous lady of similar versions (step three.0- so you’re able to 4.5-mm SL) occupying L. nassa and you will P. auritula shells wasn’t rather more |$(P = 0.228)$|? , because the fecundity out-of ovigerous females calculating dos.0- to three.0-mm SL inhabiting C. atratum try notably greater than regarding individuals of one’s same size in M. nodulosa shells.

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The fresh P. tortugae populace training revealed a high and you can persisted reproductive activity with the Anchieta Area. The brand new fecundity submitted are homogeneous throughout every season, while the reduced variability entered is possibly connected with resource field (shells) and you can variations in animal dimensions. Typically, P. tortugae fecundity, egg diameter, and you will eggs regularity shown a datemyage arama tendency to boost having growing SL.

The brand new bimodality in dimensions-volume shipment (full and you can month-to-month) found in the ovigerous females’ people is unusual that will mirror employment pulses or behavioural differences ( Diaz and you can Conde, 1989)

This can be said because of the lifetime cycle regarding P. tortugae that occurs during a period of two years, with clear continuity when you look at the personal progress. Next height in proportions-regularity delivery on larger dimensions kinds corresponded so you can an effective employment of people regarding the next season off lifestyle, hence belonged on the basic peak in dimensions-volume shipment in the previous 12 months, and the like ( Mantelatto and you can Sousa, inside drive).

Based on the less measurements of ovigerous lady caught (1.8 mm regarding SL), we think one to sexual readiness might result before on lives years out-of P. tortugae of this type. Considering Lancaster (1990), the current presence of quick ovigerous people often means new adaptation off the variety so you can regional cover accessibility mostly when enough shells was not available. Wada ainsi que al. (1995) raised the theory out-of precocious reproductive creativity when enough shells was scarce.

In spite of the problems one of the Pagurus, Paguristes, in addition to “Pylopagurus-like” varieties (come across inclusion), a relative study from fecundity try conducted. The new fecundity submitted for P. tortugae to the Anchieta Area try lower than you to definitely said some other diogenid hermit crabs (to have an evaluation, find Desk I into the Mantelatto and you may Garcia, 1999), and for which types studied by Negreiros-Fransozo mais aussi al. (1992). This particular fact are related to the interspecific race regarding learnt city, in which P. tortugae interacts with other hermit varieties ( Mantelatto and you will Garcia, 2001). In addition, we could possibly assume that the low fecundity of this variety took place just like the a function of the reduced measurements of P. tortugae people than the other diogenids quoted, plus reference to the people learned because of the Negreiros-Fransozo ainsi que al. (1992).

A variety inside the number of egg was seen for the exact same size class, probably proving a process out-of numerous spawning when you look at the same reproductive 12 months ( Ameyaw-Akumfi, 1975; Fotheringham, 1976; Varadara, 1982; Mantelatto and you can Fransozo, 1997; Mantelatto and you can Garcia, 1999). So it adaptation within the fecundity because of the size category is influenced often from the how many spawns in the same reproductive course or of the useless shell occupancy. The reduced fecundity present in some people takes place because the a function of one’s exposure off very young ovigerous women thought to be spawning the very first time. Centered on Somerton and you can Meyers (1983), these primiparous females create a lesser number of egg than simply multiparous ones. Brand new bimodality off people design supports so it theory.