Body Weight, Carapace Length and Width Relationship and Condition Factor of the Mud Crab Scylla serrata (Forskal) in Mangrove Ecosystem

The relationship of length-weight and width-weight of the carapace and the relative condition factor of mud crab Scylla serrata from Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh, India) was the subject of present study. Significant difference in both males and females was observed between carapace length-weight, carapace width-weight with a linear relationship. The regression values of both the sexes were found to be statistically significant. The regression equations calculated for length-weight were W= 0.178 L 3.1139 (r= 0.95) for males, W= 0.520 L 2.8056 (r=0.94) for females and for sexes combined it was W = 0.0000297 L 2.9891 (r= 0.94).  In case of carapace width-weight relationship of males, females and sexes combined the regression equations were W= 0.121 CW 3.0426 (r= 0.92), W= 0.178 CW 2.775 (r=0.93) and W = 0.204 CW 2.9210 (r= 0.92) respectively. The male crabs showed positive allometric growth whereas female had negative allometric growth. Analysis of covariance confirmed remarkable difference between males and females in the growth pattern. The mean relative condition factor (Kn values) of both males and females and of the pooled sexes ranged from 0.680 (April) to 1.029 (November). A gradual raise in Kn values was observed from small- to big- sized crabs in both the sexes. Peak values were observed in 12.0-13.9 cm size group in November.