The C. danae females were collected monthly, within the period of April/91 to March/92. The monthly average variation of the condition factor (Ø1), is associated, among other causes, to both the weight of the gonads (Ø3) and the stomach (Ø2). The difference between Ø1 and Ø3 (ΔØ) estimates the "gonadal condition" showing highest values on the reproductive cycle (May, November, January and March). These months coincide with the highest values of the gonadossomatic index. So can be used as an indicative of the period of spawning of Callinectes danae in Lagoa da Conceição, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Callinectes danae; condition factor; gonadossomatic index; period of spawning