Sexual Maturity Scale of the Swimming Crab Callinectes pallidus (Rochebrune, 1883) from Lake Nokoué in South Benin, West Africa

Aims: Reproductive parameters are important tools for the sustainable management of halieutic species in water bodies its exploitation. This study intends to characterize sexual maturity scale swimming crab Callinectes pallidus, perform testicular and ovarian structures order develop a specific scale.
 Study Design: was carried out with macroscopic microscopic observations 394 specimens crabs including 206 females 188 males.
 Place Duration Study: The used this were collected monthly from March July 2018 small fisheries Lake Nokoué (Benin).
 Methodology: At laboratory, each specimen is identified sex determined. Grids describing stage C. pallidus developed based on Zairon et al. (2015) scale. Histological sections female male gonads analyzed certify different stages development noted study.
 Results: Macroscopic analysis external internal anatomy histological allowed establish 5 4 males respectively. made binocular magnifying glass describe characteristic features cycle species. confirmed results analysis. Significant difference recorded between mean oocytes diameters oocyte (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: outcomes constitute an database assessment reproductive IV V mature steps whereas III that male. It recommended allow reach size (5,95 cm 6,38 male) before their exploitation ensure