Biology and abundance of Cancer bellianus (Decapoda, Brachyura) around the Azores

During 1997, exploratory cruises were conducted to study deep-water crabs south of Pico and Sao Jorge islands in the Azores archipelago. Baited traps were set at depths of 200-1000 m. The target species were the crabs Chaceon affinis and Cancer bellianus The latter was the prevalent species shallower than 700 m, a total of 463 (247 males and 215 females) being caught at depths ranging from 200-700 m on rocky substrata. The catch rate of females was higher in shallow water (200-400 m) and that of males higher in deeper water (400-600 m). Sizes ranged from 45-218 mm carapace width (CW). Ovigerous females were not found, and possible reasons for this are advanced. An annual reproductive cycle is outlined. Size at First maturity was not estimated directly, but the observed minimum carapace width of females with spermatophore on their pleopods (132 mm) is suggested as the size of first maturity. Epizoitie barnacles were observed on the exoskeleton of some animals. (C) 2001 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.