© The Authors, 2026, Published by the Universidad del Zulia*Corresponding author: randyguerrero@gmail.com
Keywords:
Population structure
Growth
Mortality rate
Blue crab
Tropical lake
Population dynamics of Callinectes sapidus shery resource in Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela
Dinámica poblacional del recurso pesquero Callinectes sapidus en el Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela
Dinâmica populacional do recurso pesqueiro Callinectes sapidus no Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela
Randi Guerrero-Ríos
1*
Glenys Andrade de Pasquier
2
Nancy Hernández de Guerrero
3
Orlando Ferrer Montaño
4
Héctor Barrios-Garrido
5
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2026, 43(1): e264316
ISSN 2477-9407
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47280/RevFacAgron(LUZ).v43.n1.XVI
Animal production
Associate editor: Dra. Rosa Razz
University of Zulia, Faculty of Agronomy
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
1
Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory, Faculty of Experimental
Sciences, University of Zulia (LUZ). PO Box 4011.
Maracaibo, Venezuela.
2
El Lago Local Station, National Institute for Agricultural
Research (INIA), Maracaibo, Venezuela.
3
Ecology Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy, University of
Zulia (LUZ). PO Box 4011. Maracaibo, Venezuela.
4
Department of Biology, Experimental Faculty of Sciences,
University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela.
5
KAUST Beacon Development, KAUST National
Transformation Institute, King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia.
Received: 26-10-2025
Accepted: 02-02-2026
Published: -0-2026
Abstract
The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, supports one of the most
signicant sheries in Lake Maracaibo and western Venezuela,
although several previous studies suggest signs of overexploitation.
This study analyzed the population dynamics of the species as a
basis for resource management, based on 46 monthly samples of
landings at the main ports of Lake Maracaibo from 2010 to 2014.
Monthly length-frequency data were analyzed using the FiSAT II
software to estimate growth parameters (ELEFAN I), mortality
(length-converted catch curve) and recruitment (cohort analysis).
Natural mortality was estimated using several methods due to its
complexity. The estimated growth parameters were L
∞
= 14.67 cm,
and K = 0.87 yr
-1
, with higher growth rates in males. Recruitment
was continuous, with peaks during the rainy season. Total mortality
was estimated at 7.74 yr
-1
, natural mortality ranged from 0.87 to 2.05
yr
-1
, and shing mortality ranged from 5.79 to 6.87 yr
-1
, showing
strong shing pressure, mainly on females. It was determined that
C. sapidus has a short life cycle, with rst entry into the shery at
7-8 months of age and 7.0 cm, remaining until 24 months of age
and 12 cm. The catch curve suggests full recruitment between 12
and 13 months of age and 8.7 cm. It is concluded that the high
shing intensity has altered the population structure and limits the
adequate renewal of the stock, highlighting the need to strengthen
management measures.
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2026, 43(1): e264316 January-March ISSN 2477-9409.
2-6 |
Resumen
El cangrejo azul, Callinectes sapidus, sostiene una de las
pesquerías más importante del Lago de Maracaibo y del occidente
de Venezuela, aunque numerosos estudios previos señalan signos de
sobreexplotación. Este trabajo analizó la dinámica poblacional de la
especie como base para su manejo, a partir de 46 muestreos mensuales
de las capturas en los principales puertos del Lago de Maracaibo desde
el 2010 al 2014. Las frecuencias de tallas mensuales se analizaron
con el software FiSAT II, para estimar parámetros de crecimiento
(ELEFAN I), mortalidad por pesca (curva de captura linealizada)
y reclutamiento (análisis de cohortes). La mortalidad natural se
estimó con varios métodos por su complejidad. Como resultado, los
parámetros de crecimiento fueron L
∞
= 14,67 cm, K = 0,87 a
-1
, con
mayor crecimiento en machos. El reclutamiento fue continuo, con
picos en la estación lluviosa. La mortalidad total se estimó en 7,74
a
-1
; la mortalidad natural entre 0,87 y 2,05 a
-1
, y la mortalidad por
pesca entre 5,79 y 6,87 a
-1
, evidenciando fuerte presión pesquera,
principalmente sobre las hembras. Se determinó que C. sapidus posee
un ciclo de vida corto ingresando a la pesquería a los 7-8 meses de
edad y 7,0 cm, y permanece en esta hasta los 24 meses y 12 cm. La
curva de captura mostró pleno reclutamiento entre los 12 y 13 meses
de edad y 8,7 cm. Se concluye que la alta intensidad de la pesca ha
modicado la estructura poblacional y limita la adecuada renovación
del stock, destacando la necesidad de reforzar las medidas de manejo.
Palabras clave: estructura poblacional, crecimiento, tasa de
mortalidad, cangrejo azul, lago tropical.
Resumo
O siri-azul, Callinectes sapidus, sustenta uma das pescarias
mais importantes do Lago Maracaibo e do oeste da Venezuela,
embora numerosos estudos anteriores apontem para sinais de
superexploração. Este estudo analisou a dinâmica populacional desta
espécie como base para o manejo, com base em 46 amostras mensais
de capturas realizadas nos principais portos do Lago Maracaibo
entre 2010 e 2014. As frequências mensais de comprimento foram
analisadas utilizando o software FiSAT II para estimar os parâmetros
de crescimento (ELEFAN I), mortalidade por pesca (curva de captura
linearizada) e recrutamento (análise de coorte). A mortalidade natural
foi estimada utilizando diversos métodos devido à sua complexidade.
Os parâmetros de crescimento resultantes foram L
∞
= 14,67 cm, K
= 0,87 a
-1
, com maior crescimento nos machos. O recrutamento foi
contínuo, com picos durante a estação chuvosa. A mortalidade total foi
estimada em 7,74 a
-1
; A mortalidade natural variou de 0,87 a 2,05 a
-1
, e
a mortalidade por pesca variou de 5,79 a 6,87 a
-1
, evidenciando forte
pressão pesqueira, principalmente sobre as fêmeas. Foi determinado
que C. sapidus tem um ciclo de vida curto, entrando na pescaria aos
7-8 meses de idade e 7,0 cm, permanecendo até 24 meses e 12 cm.
A curva de captura mostrou recrutamento completo entre 12 e 13
meses de idade e 8,7 cm. Conclui-se que a alta intensidade de pesca
modicou a estrutura populacional e limita a renovação adequada
do estoque, destacando a necessidade de fortalecer as medidas de
manejo.
Palavras-chave: estrutura populacional, crescimento, taxa de
mortalidade, siri-azul, lago tropical.
Introduction
The lake of Maracaibo, in western Venezuela, is classied as a
eutrophic ecosystem (Rodríguez, 2001). It is home to a rich aquatic
biodiversity, including diverse shery resources, which provide a
source of food and employment for thousands of artisanal shers. The
blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, in the Lake of Maracaibo supports
the most important artisanal shery in western Venezuela in terms of
catch volume and foreign exchange earnings, with reported landings
of 14,672 tonnes and exports of 2,300 tonnes of crab meat, generating
USD 22 million in 2009 (Andrade de Pasquier et al., 2012). In 2022,
the Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Pesca y Acuicultura reported
that landings had decreased to 1,332 tonnes through exportable oer
catalogues.
Several studies have reported increasing shing pressure on
blue crabs (Villasmil and Mendoza, 2001), driven by high demand
(Perdomo et al., 2010) and non-compliance with current regulations,
has altered its population dynamics, reducing its biological potential
and aecting its size structure (Andrade de Pasquier et al., 2010),
which may pose a risk to the sustainability of the shery. Given
the national importance of this resource, various regulations have
been established, such as closed seasons, minimum catch sizes
and classication of shing gear, in accordance with Decree No.
6,732. However, in practice, the regulations have not succeeded in
preventing the capture of crabs below the legal minimum size or the
use of non-selective shing gear (Vázquez and Pascal, 2024), which
aects the population dynamics of the resource (Andrade de Pasquier
et al., 2010).
The study of population dynamics and the estimation of
population parameters is an essential tool for assessing the status
of blue crab resources and implementing sustainable management
measures (Monteiro et al., 2025). The main parameters considered
in sheries management include the population growth rate and the
maximum theoretical size attainable by individuals; recruitment,
which determines the entry of new individuals into the exploitable
fraction of the population; and the mortality rate, which estimates the
intensity of exploitation (Sparre and Venema, 1995).
These parameters are obtained using standardised, reproducible
and globally comparable methods, which guarantees the validity of
the results (Gallego-Zerrato et al., 2025). Correct estimation allows
the main sources of population biomass decline to be identied,
including natural mortality (M) and shing mortality (Z). Comparing
these indicators over time allows the current status of the shery and
its trend to be determined. Knowledge of the population dynamics of
shery resources also provides the basis for more complex analyses,
such as estimating exploitation rates and predicting future population
behaviour under dierent scenarios.
Due to the relevance of population dynamics in sheries
management, the objective of this study was to estimate the
fundamental population parameters of C. sapidus, such as growth (L
∞
,
K and t
o
), recruitment and mortality in a tropical lake, in order to lay
the foundations for the development of population dynamics models
and stock assessments aimed at dening resource management and
administration policies that are more in line with its biological,
sheries and economic reality.
Materials and methods
Study area
The Lake of Maracaibo, with an area of 13,210 km
2
, is a body of
water located in a basin fed by 135 rivers. It has a salinity gradient
(
)
=
1 
 (
0
)
1
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Guerrero-Ríos et al. Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2026, 43(1): e264316
3-6 |
that varies from higher salinity in the north to lower salinity in the
south. It is characterised by being a eutrophic environment, with
anticyclonic circulation and an anoxic central hypolimnetic zone.
The region has two distinct seasons: rainy from May to November
and dry from December to April, which inuence the temperature and
changes in water salinity (Rodríguez, 2001). These environmental
conditions directly aect the life cycle of the species.
Sampling and data collection
For population dynamics analyses, commercial catches of C.
sapidus extracted with traps and longlines were used, collecting
data on sex and carapace width (CW), excluding lateral spines. A
precision vernier caliper with a resolution of 0.1 cm was used for the
measurements. A total of 46 monthly samples were collected between
May 2010 and August 2014 at the three main landing ports of the
Lake of Maracaibo (Figure 1). This formed the most complete and
rigorous database available to date.
Figure 1. The Lake of Maracaibo system and the three main
landing ports for blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). B:
Barranquitas; Pc: Puerto Concha; Co: Caño La O.
Estimation of growth parameters
Monthly size frequency distributions were constructed in 0.5
cm classes to estimate growth parameters. The von Bertalany
model (1934) is one of the most widely used representations to
describe individual growth in decapod crustacean populations,
using the size structure of catches (Sparre and Venema, 1995).
von Bertalany’s general equation for length growth is as follows:
; where: t = age in years; t
o
= theoretical
age in years at zero length; Lt = total length at age t in cm; L
∞
=
asymptotic length; K = curvature parameter per year.
The growth parameters L
∞
, K and to were estimated by analysing
monthly size distributions using the ELEFAN I routine of the FAO-
ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools (FiSAT II, 2005) programme.
The parameters and growth curve were estimated based on the
maximum value of the goodness-of-t index (Rn). From these
parameters, the growth index Phi prima (Ø’) was calculated for C.
sapidus and comparisons were made with Ø’ values reported for
the species, according to the expression:
. To
identify cohorts or groups of crabs of the same age, the monthly size
composition was used, which was analysed using the Bhattacharya’s
method (1967).
The existence of dierences in carapace width between sexes
was determined using the Mann-Whitney test, after verifying the
distribution of the data with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and
the homogeneity of variance with the Levene test in Statgraphics
Centurion XVI (α = 0.05).
Estimation of mortality rate
Total mortality (Z) was estimated from the linearised catch curve
converted to sizes in Pauly’s equation, previously applied in other
studies in the area (Villasmil et al., 1997). This is a linear equation
in which:
The most commonly used methods for estimating M in decapod
crustaceans include:
Taylor method (1960), based on longevity (Lv) with the
relationship
Rikhter and Efanov method (1976), which associate M with the
age of mass maturation (Tm) of the population using:
Pauly method (1980), who relates M to growth parameters and
average water temperature (T, in °C).
To determine the age of mass maturation (Tm), cumulative
frequency distributions of sizes were used and subsequently converted
to age using the inverse von Bertalany equation. The average water
temperature used to estimate mortality was taken from regional
literature, with a value of 29 °C (Rodríguez, 2001).
Once Z and M were known, shing mortality (F) was calculated
using the relationship: Z = M + F; where F = Z – M. Since Z and M
were estimated using three dierent methods, a matrix of F values
was constructed, with Z and M as inputs, in order to obtain an F value
for each possible combination.
Estimation of recruitment
Recruitment was determined from the decomposition of frequency
distributions over time, using the back-calculation algorithms
included in FiSAT II, which allowed the seasonality and intensity of
the entry of new individuals into the exploitable fraction of the crab
population in the Lake of Maracaibo to be described.
Results and discussion
Growth
Size-frequency distributions showed that males reached larger
sizes than females. The size range for females ranged from 5.0 to 11.5
cm, and for males from 5.0 to 13.5 cm (Table 1).
Given the non-normal distribution of the data (Kolmogorov-
Smirnov test, p < 0.05), the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test
was applied to compare carapace width between sexes. Males had
signicantly higher values than females (W = 1.41x10
8
; p < 0.0001),
with medians for males of 8.86 cm (IQR: 8.11–9.56 cm) and for
females of 8.73 cm (IQR: 8.11–9.23 cm). However, the dierence
between the medians was small (0.13 cm), suggesting mild sexual
dimorphism, likely amplied by the large sample size.
The estimated population growth parameters for the grouped
sexes showed values of L
∞
= 14.67 cm and K = 0.87 yr
-1
. For females,
L
∞
= 14.36 cm and K = 0.80 yr
-1
were obtained, while for males the
(
)
=
1 
 (
0
)
1
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2026, 43(1): e264316 January-March ISSN 2477-9409.
4-6 |
Table 1. Frequency distribution of Callinectes sapidus sizes
for grouped sexes, females and males in the Lake of
Maracaibo from 2010 to 2014.
Size Sexes grouped Females Males
5.0 2 1 1
5.5 10 6 4
6.0 87 34 53
6.5 323 144 179
7.0 838 411 427
7.5 2,128 1,022 1,108
8.0 3,632 1,657 1,973
8.5 4,977 2,482 2,495
9.0 5,973 3,472 2,501
9.5 5,338 3,095 2,243
10.0 3,184 1,466 1,719
10.5 1,481 454 1,027
11.0 532 59 473
11.5 172 4 168
12.0 40 0 40
12.5 8 0 8
13.0 2 0 2
13.5 1 0 1
Total 28,728 14,307 14,422
values were L
∞
= 14.75 cm and K = 0.82 a
-1
. These results showed
slightly higher growth in males of C. sapidus (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Growth curve for males (♂) and females (♀) of
Callinectes sapidus in the Lake of Maracaibo, obtained using the
von Bertalany growth equation.
The asymptotic length of females was lower, in line with previous
studies in the region (Andrade de Pasquier et al., 2012). This sexual
dimorphism represents an ecological strategy that confers adaptive
advantages for the reproduction of the species. Males, reaching
larger sizes and possessing larger bodies, can defend territories and
compete for females, which inuences sexual selection processes and
the genetic structure of the population. At the population level, this
dierentiation reduces intraspecic competition between sexes by
decreasing pressure on the same resources, which favours ecological
partitioning (Marchessaux et al., 2023).
The growth parameters obtained for the total population allowed
us to calculate a growth performance index of Ø´ = 2.27, a value that
falls within the range reported for species of the same genus. Likewise,
the estimates of L
∞
and K were comparable to those observed in
populations of related taxa (Table 2). Consequently, the estimated
growth parameters are considered consistent and adequate for stock
assessment and application in sheries management measures.
Table 2. Comparison of growth parameters for Callinectes
sapidus.
Author Year Location Sex
L
∞
K
Ø’
Villasmil
et al.
1997
Lake of Maracaibo
(VEN)
M 15.0 1.75 2.595
F 14.7 1.55 2.525
Ju et al. 2001 Chesapeake Bay, USA B 24.0 1.09 2.760
Rosas-
Correa and
De Jesús-
Navarrete
2008 Chetumal Bay (MEX) B 23.1 0.51 2.220
Andrade
et al.
2011
Lake of Maracaibo
(VEN)
B 16.8 0.84 2.375
Sumer et al. 2013 Beymelek Lake (TUR)
M 23.0 0.86 2.658
F 18.1 1.06 2.541
Türeli et al. 2016 Yumurtalik Cove (TUR)
B 20.1 0.81 2.515
M 20.9 0.50 2.315
F 20.6 0.74 2.499
Rodríguez-
Castro et al.
2016 Tamaulipas (MEX) B 18.2 0.62 2.313
Mehanna
et al.
2019 Bardawil Lake (EGY)
B 9.96 1.42 2.149
M 9.71 1.53 2.159
F 10.11 1.45 2.171
Presente
estudio
2025
Lake of Maracaibo
(VEN)
B 14.67 0.87 2.272
M 14.75 0.82 2.251
F 14.37 0.80 2.218
B = Both sexes, M = Males, F = Females
Mortality
The total mortality rate (Z), estimated using the Pauly method,
was 7.74 yr
-1
for both sexes combined, 6.85 yr
-1
for males and 9.37
yr
-1
for females (Figure 3). This dierence shows that females are
more vulnerable to shing pressure than males of the same age. On
average, males and females were exposed to total mortality at a size
of 8.8 and 8.7 cm, respectively, and at an age of 12-13 months. These
results indicate that full exploitation of the resource occurs at sizes
and ages close to rst sexual maturity, when individuals begin their
reproductive migration for spawning.
Figure 3. Estimated total mortality curve (Z) for males (♂) and
females (♀) of Callinectes sapidus, obtained using the
capture curve method, in the Lake of Maracaibo.
Natural mortality (M) estimated using the Taylor method was
0.87 yr
-1
for both sexes combined, 0.82 yr
-1
for females and 0.80 yr
-1
for males. The Tm of the population was 1.05 years on average, 1.17
years for females and 1.11 years for males. The Rikhter and Efanov
method yielded values of 1.20 yr
-1
for the population, 1.25 a
-1
for
females, and 1.31 yr
-1
for males. The Pauly method estimated higher
values, 2.05 yr
-1
for the population, 1.95 yr
-1
for females and 1.97 yr
-1
for males (Table 3).
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Guerrero-Ríos et al. Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2026, 43(1): e264316
5-6 |
Table 3. Annual estimates of total mortality (Z), natural mortality
(M) and shing mortality (F) obtained for Callinectes
sapidus in dierent sheries worldwide.
Sex Z
M
Min – Max
F
Min – Max
Source
B
7.74 0.87 – 2.05 5.79 – 6.87
Actual
M
6.85 0.80 – 1.97 4.99 – 6.05
F
9.37 0.82 – 1.95 7.50 – 8.55
B
7.53 1.83 5.66 Andrade et al. (2011)
B 2.5
Villasmil et al. (1997)M 9.7 7.2
F 9.2 6.7
B 0.85 0.66 0.19
Rosas-Correa and De Jesús-Nava-
rrete (2008)
B 6.35 2.57 3.78
Mehanna et al. (2019)
M 5.19 2.31 2.88
F 6.21 2.51 3.70
B = Both sexes, M = Males, F = Females.
Natural mortality is an extremely critical parameter in population
dynamics studies and dicult to obtain by direct methods; therefore,
any applicable method represents a valid criterion for comparing
estimates of natural mortality (Sparre and Venema, 1995). The M
values obtained in this study, although slightly higher than those
reported previously (Andrade et al., 2011), remain within the
estimated range (Table 3). However, fast-growing species such as C.
sapidus have high M rates in the early stages of life (Vogt, 2019),
which can compromise the renewal of the sh stock by reducing the
reproductive biomass.
There is a close relationship between M and the age of rst
sexual maturity (Rikhter and Efanov, 1976). In C. sapidus, rst
sexual maturation occurs between 7 and 8 months of age, reecting
compensatory mechanisms associated with early sexual maturity in
response to high M rates. This characteristic should be considered
in sheries management, favouring resource conservation and
encouraging the use of selective shing gear that allows individuals
younger than this age to escape.
Fishing mortality (F) was estimated at 6.33 yr
-1
for both sexes,
8.02 yr
-1
for females and 5.52 yr
-1
for males. In some cases, these
values exceed those reported for other stocks of the genus Callinectes
and even previous estimates in the region (Table 3). This increase
in the exploitation rate suggests a recent intensication of shing
pressure compared to previous analyses, a change that could be
negatively impacting the population structure and shery yield.
Recruitment
Modal progression analysis identied one cohort for females, with
an average size of 8.40 ± 0.84 cm SD, and four cohorts for males,
with average sizes of: I = 7.16 ± 0.54 cm SD, II = 8.71 ± 0.77 cm
SD, III = 10.09 ± 0.68 cm SD, and IV = 11.26 ± 0.49 cm SD (Figure
4). The dierence in the number of cohorts may be associated with
the dierential distribution of the population, considering that males
remain in the lake throughout their life cycle, while females migrate
to permanent closed areas (Tankersley et al., 1998).
Figure 4. Modal distribution of Callinectes sapidus cohorts,
derived from Battacharya’s analysis for males (♂) and
females (♀) in the Lake of Maracaibo.
Monitoring of monthly trends showed constant recruitment to the
shery throughout the year. However, two main peaks associated with
the rainy season were identied; the rst occurred between June and
July and the second in October and November. This pattern coincides
with that described for most crustaceans in tropical environments
(Oliveira-Filho et al., 2025) and with previous records for the Lake
of Maracaibo (Andrade de Pasquier, 1999). When comparing these
results with previous studies, it is conrmed that blue crab sheries
are highly dependent on the continuous inux of juveniles and are
particularly vulnerable to overshing of females.
The high temperatures characteristic of tropical water bodies
increase the metabolic rate, maintaining continuous oogenesis (Azra
et al., 2020). However, local seasonality inuences reproductive
dynamics and metabolic rate, in accordance with reports by Selfati et
al. (2025) and Young and Elliott (2020). The high variability observed
in recruitment in the Lake of Maracaibo justies the implementation
of dynamic and precautionary management measures aimed at
protecting recruitment periods, ensuring eective minimum sizes,
and maintaining reproductive biomass.
Conclusions
The population dynamics of C. sapidus in the Lake of Maracaibo
were characterised by a short life cycle and rapid growth, with slight
dierences between sexes. Males showed slightly higher growth
parameters, reaching greater asymptotic lengths and growth rates than
females. The population entered the shery at an early age, between
7 and 8 months, and was fully exploited between 12 and 13 months,
when individuals reached sizes close to 8.7-8.8 cm. This pattern
coincided with the onset of reproductive displacement, indicating
that a signicant fraction of the stock was captured at stages close
to sexual maturity, posing a risk to population renewal. Individuals
ceased to be part of the stock at 24 months and with sizes greater
than 12.0 cm. The growth parameters of C. sapidus showed variations
with respect to previous assessments, evidenced by a decrease in the
asymptotic length of the population.
Total mortality estimates showed high values, particularly
in females, which had higher rates than males. Likewise, shing
mortality reached high levels in both sexes, exceeding previous
records for the region and for other stocks of the genus Callinectes,
indicating a recent increase in shing pressure.
Recruitment remained continuous throughout the year, with two
peaks associated with the rainy season, conrming the shery's high
dependence on annual recruitment and the constant inux of juveniles.
The combination of high mortality rates, early exploitation and
continuous recruitment suggests that the stock is highly vulnerable to
overshing, especially in females.
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2026, 43(1): e264316 January-March ISSN 2477-9409.
6-6 |
Overall, the estimated growth, mortality and recruitment
parameters are considered consistent and adequate for the assessment
of the C. sapidus stock in the Lake of Maracaibo, and constitute
a solid basis for the design and implementation of management
measures aimed at the sustainability of the resource.
Literature cited
Andrade de Pasquier, G., García, L., Buonocore, R., & Méndez, Y. (2012).
Relaciones biométricas y proporción de sexos del cangrejo azul,
Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) en el Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Ciencia, 20(3), 151–158. https://produccioncienticaluz.org/index.php/
ciencia/article/view/10048
Andrade de Pasquier, G., Ramírez, S., García Pinto, L., Buonocore, R., &
Delgado, J. (2010). Impacto del palangre para la captura del cangrejo azul,
Callinectes sapidus en la composición por tallas de los desembarques
en el Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Proceedings of the 62nd Gulf and
Caribbean Fisheries Institute. 415 – 419. https://proceedings.gc.org/wp-
content/uploads/2015/01/gc_62-63.pdf
Andrade de Pasquier, G., & Stotz, W. (1999). Patrón de reclutamiento del
camarón blanco (Penaeus schmitti) en el Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Boletín del Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, 33(1), 1–82. https://
produccioncienticaluz.org/index.php/boletin/article/view/189
Andrade, G., Ferrer, O., & Buonocore, R. (2011). Biología Pesquera. In C. Casler,
L. P.García, & C. Sangronis (Eds.), El cangrejo azul en el Sistema de
Maracaibo: Ecología, Pesquería y Aspectos Socioeconómicos (pp.
124–158). Centro de Estudios del Lago. https://www.calameo.com/
books/005575289f0acf8f2cdb7
Azra, M., Aaqillah-Amr, M., Ikhwanuddin, M., Ma, H., Waiho, K., Ostrensky, A.,
dos Santos Tavares, C., & Abol-Muna, A. (2020). Eects of climate‐
induced water temperature changes on the life history of brachyuran
crabs. Reviews in Aquaculture, 12(2), 1211–1216. https://doi.org/10.1111/
raq.12380
Battacharya, C. G. (1967). A simple method of resolution of a distribution
with gaussian componentes. Biometrics, 23(1), 115–135. https://doi.
org/10.2307/2528285
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) FAO-ICLARM
stock Assessment Tools (FiSAT II) (Versión 1.2.2) [Software]. (2005).
Rome, Italy: Fisheries and Aquaculture Departament. http://www.fao.org/
shery/topic/16072/en
Gallego-Zerrato, J., Londoño, B. N., Córdoba-Rojas, D. F., & Giraldo, A.
(2025). Evaluation of the swimming crab (Callinectes toxotes Ordway,
1863) as an alternative resource to traditional shing in the Colombian
Pacic. Fisheries Research, 283, 107303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
shres.2025.107303
Ju, S. J., Secor, D. H., & Harvey, H. R. (2001). Growth rate variability and
lipofuscin accumulation rates in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus.
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 224, 197–205. https://doi.org/10.3354/
meps224197
Marchessaux, G., Vojsava, G., & Sarà, G. (2023). Impulsores ambientales de
la estructura de población basada en el tamaño, la madurez sexual y la
fecundidad: un estudio del cangrejo azul invasor Callinectes sapidus
(Rathbun, 1896) en el mar Mediterráneo. PLOS ONE, 18(8), 1–23. https://
doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287570
Mehanna, S., Desouky, M., & Farouk, A. (2019). Population dynamics and
sheries characteristics of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun,
1896) as an invasive species in Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt. Egyptian
Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 23(2), 599–611. https://doi.
org/10.21608/ejabf.2019.34459
Monteiro, J., Ovelheiro, A., Maia, F., Teodosio, M., & Leitao, F. (2025). Biological
traits and population dynamics for sustainable harvesting of Carcinus
maenas. Fisheries Research, 281, 107243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
shres.2024.107243
Oliveira-Filho, R., Antunes, M., Musiello-Fernandes, J., Guéron, R., Pichler, H.
A., Vilar, C. C., Mantelatto, F. L., Joyeux, J-C., Chiquieri, J., Hostim-
Silva, M., & Bauman, D. (2025). Decapod community composition is
seasonally driven by dierent environmental factors in an estuarine-
coastal gradient (Eastern Brazil). Regional Studies in Marine Science, 85,
104135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104135
Pauly, D. (1980). On the interrelationships between natural mortality, growth
parameters and mean environmental temperature in 175 sh stocks.
Journal du Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer, 39(3),
175–192. https://doi.org/10.1093/ICESJMS/39.2.175
Perdomo, D., García, D., González-Estopiñán, M., Santos, O., Moratinos, P., Cova,
L., & Medina, M. 2010. Evaluación de la pesca artesanal con palangre del
cangrejo azul (Callinectes spp.), en el puerto de La Ceiba, estado Trujillo,
Venezuela. Zootecnia Tropical, 28(2), 221-237. https://ve.scielo.org/
scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0798-72692010000200009
Rikhter, V. A., & Efanov, V. N. (1976). On one of the approaches to estimation of
natural mortality of sh populations (ICNAF Res. Doc. 79/VI/8). https://
www.nafo.int/icnaf/library/docs/1976/res-08.pdf
Rodríguez, G. (2001). The Maracaibo System, Venezuela. In: Seeliger, U.,
Kjerfve, B. (eds) Coastal Marine Ecosystems of Latin America (pp. 47 –
60). Ecological Studies, vol 144. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.
org/10.1007/978-3-662-04482-7_4
Rodríguez-Castro, J., Ramírez, J., Velázquez-de-la-Cruz, G., & Correa-Sandoval,
A. (2016). Evaluación del crecimiento de Callinectes sapidus (Decapoda:
Portunidae) con métodos basados en talla, Tamaulipas, México. Revista
de Biología Tropical, 64(2), 821–836. https://dx.doi.org/10.15517/rbt.
v64i2.16958
Rosas-Correa, C., & De Jesús-Navarrete, A. (2008). Parámetros poblacionales de
la jaiba azul Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) en la bahía de Chetumal,
Quintana Roo México. Revista de Biología Marina y Oceanografía,
43(2), 247–253. https://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-19572008000200003
Selfati, M., Doukilo, I., Erbib, A., El Kamcha, R., Errhif, A., & Bazairi, H. (2025).
Reproductive biology of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus
(Rathbun, 1896) on the African Atlantic Coast. Estuaries and Coasts,
48(46), 1–15 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-024-01467-z
Sparre, P., & Venema, S. C. (1995). Introducción a la evaluación de recursos
pesqueros tropicales. (FAO Doc. Tec. Pesca. Rev, Parte 1, Manual 306/1).
FAO. https://www.fao.org/4/w5449s/w5449s00.htm
Sumer, C., Teksam, I., Karatas, H., Beyhan, T., & Aydin, C. (2013). Growth and
reproduction biology of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun,
1896, in the Beymelek Lagoon (Southwestern Coast of Turkey). Turkish
Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 13(4), 675–684. http://doi.
org/10.4194/1303-2712-v13_4_13
Tankersley, R. A., Wieber, M. G., Sigala, M. A., & Kachurak, K. A. (1998).
Migratory Behavior of Ovigerous Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus:
Evidence for Selective Tidal-Stream Transport. The Biological Bulletin
195(2), 168-173 https://doi.org/10.2307/1542824
Taylor, C. (1960). Temperature, growth and mortality; The Pacic cockle. Journal
du Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer, 26(1), 117–124.
https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/26.1.117
Türeli, C., Miller, T., Gündoğdu, S., & Yeşilyurt, İ. (2016). Growth and mortality
of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in the North-Eastern Mediterranean
Sea. Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 10(2), 55–62. https://www.
cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20163196523
Vásquez, H., & Pascal, E. (2024). Contribución al conocimiento de la actividad
pesquera artesanal del Cangrejo azul Callinectes sapidus (Brachyura:
Portunidae) en dos áreas geográcas del Municipio Cabimas, Venezuela,
Boletín del Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas. 58(2), 222-237. https://
doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14574718
Villasmil, L., & Mendoza, J. (2001) La pesquería del cangrejo Callinectes sapidus
(decapoda: brachyura) en el Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Interciencia,
26(7), 301-306 p. http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=33905806
Villasmil, L., Mendoza, J., & Ferrer, O. (1997). Crecimiento y mortalidad del
cangrejo azul Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896, del Lago de Maracaibo.
Ciencia, 5(1), 7–15. https://produccioncienticaluz.org/index.php/
ciencia/article/view/18855
Vogt, G. (2019). A compilation of longevity data in decapod crustaceans. Nauplius,
27, e2019011. https://doi.org/10.1590/2358-2936e2019011
Von Bertalany, L. (1934). Untersuchungen über die Gesetzlichkeiten des
Waschstums. 1. Allegemeine Grundlangen der Theorie. Archiv für
Entwicklungsmechanik der Organismen, 131(4), 613–653. https://doi.
org/10.1007/BF00650112
Young, A., & Elliott, J. (2020). Life history and population dynamics of green
crabs (Carcinus maenas). Fishes, 5(1), Artículo 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/
shes5010004