%0 Journal Article
%T Changes in condition and in carapace length and width of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853) harvested in the Odra River estuary in 1999-2007
%A Przemys aw Czerniejewski
%J Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies
%@ 1897-3191
%D 2010
%I 
%R 10.2478/v10009-010-0017-5
%X Carapace length and width as well as condition were analysed in 2336 Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis, caught in 1999-2007 in the Odra River estuary (Poland). Their condition was assessed using the Fulton coefficient and the carapace width-individual weight relationship. September through November catches netted the highest number of crabs (83.60% of the total sample); males accounted for 53.56% of the crabs caught at that time. Males showed a significantly higher mean individual weight, significantly higher carapace width and length, and a higher Fulton coefficient than the females. The lowest mean individual weight, carapace width and length, and the highest condition coefficients were recorded in those crabs caught in 1999-2000. Later on, the mean carapace width and individual weight increased, and the increase was accompanied by a reduction in condition of the crabs. Causes of the differences are being sought in environmental changes taking place in the Odra estuary.
%K Eriocheir sinensis
%K Chinese mitten crab
%K Odra estuary
%K carapace width
%K condition
%U http://versita.metapress.com/content/vj85357110800611/?p=3548250d17fc4f6599953e91d47fd1ef&pi=1