Multiple choice criteria and the dynamics of assortative mating during the first breeding season of female snow crab Chionoecetes opilio (Brachyura, Majidae)

摘要: Crab pairs, consisting of a male grasping another crab (the graspee), were collected by divers during the first breeding season female snow Chionoecetes opilio. Different types graspees found and ranked according to their reproductive value male. High-value pubescent females (close terminal maturity molt) nulliparous (just molted close oviposition). Postmolt primiparous (clean-soft shell carrying eggs) also mated inseminated males, but they less than or as there was only remote chance that males' stored sperm would be used fertilize next egg clutch. Females copulated with up 6 different males season. Another category including juvenile provided no fecundity benefit. Pubescent paired 13 d before molting. Males high-value larger, had harder shell, missing fewer limbs low-value females, other overall population adult on mating grounds assessed trawl. Size-assortative chela size carapace width occurred in predominant pairs. Moreover, larger chelae associated having relatively narrower abdomens. Both traits may influence survivorship lifetime fecundity. The complex assortative pattern crabs apparently derives from mate choice sexual competition context prolonged attractiveness males.