Population Studies of the Blue Crabs of Gulf Area 20 - Studies of the Blue Crab Populations of the Texas Coast

Abstract

The commercial blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, was not abundant in the inshore Gulf. The population consisted almost entirely of female crabs. The abundance peak occurred in June and July. In June, July, and August, 20 to 30 per cent of the females carried eggs. The little blue crab, Callinectes danae, was abundant in June and July, with a high percentage of ripe females during this period. In 1963, almost five times as many Gulf blue crabs were taken as in 1962. Of other crabs associated in the catches, the speckled crab, Arenaeus cribrarius, was most abundant.

Description

pages 587-590; available for download at the link below.

Keywords

blue crabs, stock assessment

Citation