Fertility of Spiny-Cheek Crayfish (Orconectes limosus Raf.) from the Vistula Lagoon

The aim of this study was to examine fertility of spiny-cheek crayfish harvested in the first half of April from the Vistula Lagoon and to compare it with that of the crayfish from freshwater habitats. The sample consisted of 47 sexually mature females shortly before they were ready to lay eggs. After determining the absolute fertility (number of eggs per ovary), the relative fertility was calculated (number of eggs per 1 g of body weight). Absolute and relative fertility of spiny-cheek crayfish females with total body length 8.1–11.6 cm was 535 and 17 eggs, respectively. Absolute and relative fertility was correlated with total body length and weight. Along with the increase in these parameters, the absolute fertility increased and the relative fertility decreased. A comparison of absolute and relative fertility of spiny-cheek crayfish from the Vistula Lagoon with the representatives of this species from freshwater habitats such as the Brda River and the Lake Dgał Wielki, showed no significant differences.