Study of some morphometric traits and growth parameters of the fidder crab Austruca sindensis (Alcock, 1900) in Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf

This investigation has done to determinate of growth pattern and growth parameters of Austruca sindensis on northern coast of Qeshm Island during January 2017 to December 2018 monthly. Individuals have collected by digging burrow and then fixed in formalin solution 10%. Overall 841 samples collected which included 464 of male crabs (carapace width mean of 12.39±2.17 mm) and 377 of female crabs (carapace width mean of 11.42±1.53 mm). All of morphometric parameters were significantly higher in female than male crabs (p<0.05), except carapace length. The exponential value (b) estimated was obtained 2.78 for male crabs and 2.71 for female crabs. (p>0.05) which indicated positive and negative allometric growth for male and female crabs respectively. In this study, asymptotic carapace width (CW∞), initial hypothetical size (t0) maximum life span estimated 25 mm, -0.11, 2.3 year for male and 20 mm, -0.10, 1.9 year for female. Also, growth rate (k) and mortality of female were high in comparison to male crabs. Variations in the condition factor were similar for both sexes, and correlated with temperature.