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6670052 
Journal Article 
Reproductive period of Crassostrea Rhizophorae (GUILDING, 1828) and Crassostrea Brasiliana (LAMARK, 1819) (Bivalvia : Ostreidae) in Guaratuba Bay, Parana, Brazil 
Christo, SW; Absher, TM; , 
2006 
Yes 
Journal of Coastal Research
ISSN: 0749-0208
EISSN: 1551-5036 
COASTAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH FOUNDATION 
LAWRENCE 
1215-1218 
WOS:000202961400129 
C. rhizophorae and C. brasiliana occur respectivelly in the intertidal and infralitoral region of Parana State. Species of this genus are considered eurihaline and eurithermic, adapted to estuarine environments (QUAYLE, 1988). Due to their value for nutritonal human consumption they are an important commercial resource (WAKAMATSU, 1973; ABSHER et al., 1987). The development of oyster culture in Guaratuba Bay, Parana has been increasing both among fisherman and local authoties even as an alternative to fishing in the closed season. Condition index (IC) was used as a method to estimate the reproductive period of these species in order to furnish data for the best period for harvesting (ABSHER & CHRISTO, 1993). Meat yield (R) as meat percentage in relation to total weight was calculated. Temperature, salinity, water transparency and tidal level were also measured. Bimonthly samples were collected from March/2002 to March/2003 in 2 fixed stations in Guaratuba Bay. Station I was located in a natural intertidal bank of C. rhizophorae and Station II in C. brasiliana artificial cultivation Thirty individuals of each local were collected and brought to the laboratory where they were measured, had their reproductive stages evaluated and sexes identified. The results indicated the highest values of IC (2,30%) and R (18,44%) in January/2003 for C. rhizophorae and 2,41% and 14,57% in May for C. brasiliana. In the same period the highest values for shell hight of C. brasiliana (83,89 mm), shell length (62,36 mm) and weight (99,78 g).were observed. As for gonadal replenishment both species showed the highest percentuals in January/2003, occurring at the same time as highest IC and R for C. rhizophorae. These results are of great interest for shellfisheries and oyster culture in the region.