Sperm storage dynamics in the blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus: Reduction and depletion of spermathecae during ovarian maturation

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between spermathecae fullness and ovarian maturation is essential for elucidating the reproductive strategy of the blue swimming crab ( Portunus pelagicus ). This study examined the association between ovarian maturation stages (OMS) and spermathecae weight, sperm count, and related reproductive traits. A total of 240 female crabs were collected from Pare-Pare Bay, South Sulawesi, between January and June 2024. Carapace width and body weight were measured, OMS and spermathecae fullness were classified, and spermathecae weight and sperm counts were quantified, supported by histological analyses. Crabs at OMS I predominantly had full spermathecae, whereas those at OMS IV–V were mostly empty; notably, 21.43% of OMS I individuals had empty spermathecae. Histology revealed reduced seminal fluid in empty spermathecae, although spermatophores remained present. Sperm counts declined with decreasing spermathecae fullness, averaging 548 × 10 8 ± 91 × 10 8 (full), 242 × 10 8 ± 126 × 10 8 (partially full), and 158 × 10 8 ± 50 × 10 8 (empty). These findings indicate that reductions in spermathecae size and sperm count are primarily associated with seminal fluid depletion, while sperm storage persists.

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