BIOCHEMICAL AND ENZYMATIC FLUCTUATION DURING OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT OF EDIBLE MARINE CRAB PORTUNUS PELAGICUS (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Objectives: Variation in biochemical constituents such as protein, glucose, cholesterol, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase present in the haemolymph of Portunus pelagicus [Blue Swimming Crab] at different reproductive stages was studied. Methods: Haemolymphs were collected from different reproductive groups by cutting the walking legs using hypodermic syringe with No. 22 needle after rinsing with modified citrate EDTA buffer and estimated standard methodology. Results: The protein content in the haemolymph it gradually increased from immature to ripe stage [3.4±0.49-5.5±0.74 gm/DL] with minimum at immature stage and maximum in ripe stage. Glucose content was maximum in immature stage [49.5±1.28 mg/DL] and minimum in ripe stage [35.4±1.23 mg/DL]. The cholesterol was showed that maximum value in ripe stage [98.0±1.81 mg/DL] and minimum in immature stage [79.0±1.54 mg/DL]. The synthesized enzyme, acid phosphatase was minimum in spent [2.5±0.24 IU/L] and maximum in maturing stage [3.1±0.23 IU/L]. Meanwhile, alkaline phosphatase ranged from 91.0±1.62 to 138±1.79 IU/L with minimum in spent and maximum in immature stage. It indicates that the biochemical components and enzymes are actively participated in gametogenesis. Conclusion: This study inferred that breeding of P. pelagicus mainly depends on nutritive condition and reserved organic constituents of the blood.