Reproductive Traits of Some Amphipods (Crustacea: Peracarida) in Different Habitats of Iran and Southern Caspian Sea

Abstract

Reproductive traits of seven amphipods from northern parts of Iran at 11 localities were studied in order to find feasible species for usage in aquaculture industries. The results revealed that the breeding season forGammarus lacustrisandG. paricrenatusfrom high latitudes was limited to a few months from May to June. Breeding activity ofG. komarekifrom some springs was observed throughout the year, whileObesogammarus acuminatusandG. aequicaudafrom southern wetlands of the Caspian sea andPontogammarus maeoticusandP. borceaefrom southern Caspian sea shore showed various patterns. The mean egg number ofO. acuminatusandG. aequicaudaspecies was the highest with 49.8 and 37.7, respectively, while this value forG. komarekiandP. maeoticuswas the lowest with an average of 8.8 eggs. Reproductive strategy was found to be related to habitat characteristics such as chemical factors, substrate status, and the epifaunal living.