Ovarian development of Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in fúquene lagoon, Cundinamarca, Colombia

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262412154

Keywords:

Freshwater crayfish, hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, gonadal development, oogenesis

Abstract

Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) is a freshwater decapod crustacean considered an invasive species in Colombia due to its high adaptability and the ecological threats it poses to invaded ecosystems. However, knowledge regarding its reproductive biology in the country remains limited. This study described the ovarian development of P. clarkii from Laguna de Fúquene, Cundinamarca, Colombia, during 2019. A total of 73 females and 64 males were collected, with measurements of total length, weight, and sex. Subsequently, the hepatopancreas and gonads were extracted to determine the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) and to establish ovarian maturity stages using morphological characteristics, coloration, and histological analyses. The ovaries exhibited a typical Y-shaped morphology and contained oocytes at different developmental stages, varying in size, morphology, staining affinity, and vitellogenic activity. The gonadal cycle was divided into immature, previtellogenic, early and intermediate vitellogenic, advanced mature, and spent stages. Oocytes were classified as oogonia, early and late previtellogenic, early and late vitellogenic, and mature oocytes. The results demonstrated that both HSI and GSI were directly related to ovarian maturation and sexual development. These findings provide valuable information on the reproductive dynamics of the species and contribute to future biological control and management strategies for this invasive crayfish.

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Published

2026-06-02

How to Cite

Estrada-Arango, E. D., Arias-Pineda, J. Y., Tijaro-Orejuela, M. H., & Zarate-Caballero, I. A. (2026). Ovarian development of Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in fúquene lagoon, Cundinamarca, Colombia. The Biologist, 24(1), 111–132. https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262412154

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Original Articles