Hydrobiological Journal

Seasonal Variability of Sexes Ratio and Reproductive Cycle in Idotea balthica basteri (Crustacea: Isopoda) in the Periphytic Community of the Odessa Bay of the Black Sea

SINOPSIS

The seasonal variability of the sex composition of the Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) population in the periphytic community of the Odessa Bay (the Black Sea) was studied. The annual variability of males and females ratio was revealed. It was noted that I. balthica basteri reproduces continuously all year round, but the most intensively in spring. Data on fertility of this species in periphytic community of the Odessa Bay was determined. The relationship of this parameter with length and weight was shown. The equations of dependence of wet and dry mass of males, egg-bearing and not-egg-bearing females on their length were presented.