NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE DEEP-SEA CRAB PARAMOLA CUVIERI (RISSO, 1816) (DECAPODA, HOMOLIDAE) IN THE CANARY ISLANDS (CENTRAL-EAST ATLANTIC)

The box crab (Paramola cuvieri) was relatively frequent in trap catches from 288 to 906 m depth off the Canary Islands (central-east Atlantic), the greatest abundance being recorded between 400 and 700 m. From winter to the beginning of summer, a displacement of adult crabs from deeper waters (800 m) to areas of intermediate depths (600 m) was noted, probably due to reproductive requirements. Although no significant difference was observed in the depth distribution by sexes, larger females were generally caught at shallower depths and ovigerous specimens were mainly caught in the 350-400 m depth interval. Males were heavier, larger, and broader than females, but they were less abundant.