Reproductive Characteristics of the Invasive Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) in the Marchica Lagoon (Alboran Sea, Morocco)

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Published: May 25, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.42458
Keywords:
Callinectes sapidus Moroccan Mediterranean reproductive biology spawning period ovigerous females invasion management
NASSIR KADDOURI
Laboratory of Biodiversity, Ecology and Genome, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014 RP, Rabat, Morocco ; Fishing Laboratory, Regional Center of the National Institute of Fisheries Research, Nador, Morocco
DOUAA SLIMANI
Laboratory for the Improvement of Agricultural Production, Biotechnology and the Environment, FSO, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco
MOHAMED SELFATI
Laboratory of Health, Environment and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif, Casablanca P.O. Box 5366, Morocco
NAJIB EL OUAMARI
Fishing Laboratory, Regional Center of the National Institute of Fisheries Research, Nador, Morocco
HOCEIN BAZAIRI
Laboratory of Biodiversity, Ecology and Genome, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014 RP, Rabat, Morocco ; Natural Sciences and Environment Research Hub, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar
Abstract

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus, originally native to the western Atlantic coast, is a well-established invasive species along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Morocco. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive traits of C. sapidus along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast, specifically in the Marchica Lagoon, to support post-border biosecurity strategies. The research focused on estimating the gonadosomatic index (GSI), identifying the spawning season, and determining the size at first maturity of female C. sapidus. Monthly samples were collected as bycatch of artisanal fishers operating in the lagoon between May 2022 and April 2024. A total of 938 crabs were collected, with an average carapace width (CW) of 119.46 ± 36.65 mm, carapace length (CL) of 54.11 ± 15.68 mm, and body weight of 164.20 ± 129.16 g. The sex ratio was significantly skewed toward males (1.36:1). Ovigerous females were observed from April to October, with two spawning peaks: the first in April and a more pronounced one in July to August, indicated by increased gonadosomatic index and a higher proportion of ovigerous females. The carapace width at 50% maturity (L50) was 114.4 mm overall, with females maturing at a larger size (117.8 mm) than males (111.1 mm). These findings provide a foundation for developing targeted strategies to manage the spread of C. sapidus in the Marchica Lagoon, reduce its population, and mitigate environmental impacts. They also highlight the potential to valorize the species as a fishery resource, potentially turning its management into an economic and ecological advantage.

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