Reproductive cycle and biochemical changes in the gonads of the freshwater crab, barytelphusa guerini (H. milne edwards) (Decapoda, Potamidea)

The reproductive cycle of the freshwater crab, Barytelphusa guerini is divided into three different periods i.e. (i) Pre-reproductive period (January to April) (ii) Reproductive period (May to August and (iii) Post-reproductive or quiescent period (September to December). The protein percentage was higher in the month of April. From June onwards, the percentage of proteins decreased and lowest was recorded in the month of December. Maximum fat content was observed in the ovaries in the month of April and May (breeding period) and in testes, it was highest in the month of May only. There was highest value of glycogen obtained in the month of April and there was significant decrease in the glycogen content during the spawning period. There was a little consistency in the glycogen content during the resting period.