Comparative morphometrics and relative growth of Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1868) males and females

The relative growth of Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1868) males and females under laboratory conditions was analysed using eight somatic measurements. The allometry of each measurement was estimated in relation to total length. The morphometrics were analysed using the original values, as well as normalized data from each group. Two multivariate analyses were carried out: reciprocal averaging and principal components. The results showed that the two sexes have a similar relative growth. However, differences between the sexes were recorded with respect to shape, though not to size. This was observed through the reciprocal averaging analysis after normalization of the individuals in each group. The morphometric variables that differentiated the sexes were the width and length of the chela, followed by the length of the abdomen. Thus, this analysis was useful to determine the shape differences between the sexes in culture.