Abstract
The growth and reproduction of the spider crab Pugettia quadridens quadridens were investigated from April 1992 to April 1993 at the Banda Marine Laboratory of Tokyo University of Fisheries, Chiba Prefecture. The larvae of P. quadridens quadridens hatch in February to August, and metamorphose to juveniles (first stage crabs) after about 17 days. The juveniles grow over the autumn to winter period. Between January and March the puberty molt which is also the terminal molt occurred in females; this was marked by the development of the secondary sexual characteristics. Soon after the puberty molt females mate and spawn. Spawning is carried out several times during a reproductive season. At about 20 days after spawning the larvae hatch, and on the same day the next brood of eggs is deposited. In summer most adults finish breeding and die. The life span of P. quadridens quadridens is estimated to be about one year in this study area.
