Study of the reproduction of the Karamote shrimp Peneaus (Melicertus) kerathurus in Amvrakikos Gulf, western Greece

The reproduction of the karamote prawn, Penaeus (Melicertus) kerathurus (Forskål 1775), was studied for the native population in Amvrakikos Gulf (Ionian Sea; western Greece). Sampling was carried out on a monthly basis between June 1999 and May 2001. The results showed that the shrimp Penaeus (Melicertus) kerathurus reproduction period spans between late April and late September. The size-at-maturity was estimated at a size of 45.23 mm carapace length (or 156.2 mm in total length). The smallest mature female in the samples was found to have 30 mm CL or 113.95 mm TL. Maximum gonadosomatic index (GSI) was estimated to be 9.62% for female shrimps at stage IV gonad maturity stage. The population gonadosomatic index peaks in May with an average value of 6.895%. Potential fecundity was estimated to be 154600 of oocytes per g of gonad tissue at the stage IV (mature female). Monthly sex ratios (males/females) were found greater than 1 throughout the year with maximum values reaching 2.5. A new life cycle pattern is proposed for this particular population.