Depth-size distribution pattern of Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1846) (Decapoda) in the central Mediterranean Sea

ABSTRACT The bathymetric distribution pattern of the rose shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1846) was analyzed in order to understand the life cycle and migratory behavior, and to construct the growth curve. Five research cruises were carried out in the central Mediterranean Sea (Latium, Italy). Parapenaeus longirostris was captured between 100-m and 508-m isobaths and the highest abundances were observed mainly between 150-m and 350-m isobaths. Recruitment of new generations to the epibenthos essentially occurred between 100-m and 180-m isobaths during the summer. A multivariate ordination method (factorial analysis of correspondence) was used to describe the relationship between the length of the shrimp and the depth. The benthic fraction of the population appeared to be linked to a migratory movement from the middle shelf towards the continental slope. By estimating the parameters of the Von Bertalanffy equation, it was found that the growth of males appeared slower than that of females. The life span of each generation time was about two years.