Reproductive behaviour of the North African freshwater crab Potamon algeriense (Bott, 1967) (Brachyura: Potamidae)

ABSTRACT Laboratory and field observations of courtship, copulation, spawning, incubation, and maternal care were made on the endemic North African freshwater crab Potamon algeriense. Mating occurred throughout the year but no discernible courtship behaviour was recorded. However, a forced copulation strategy is practiced by the larger males. The occurrence of ovigerous females extended from June to September with a peak in July (38%). Spawning behaviour took place out of the water and the incubation period lasted 45 ± 2 days. Ovigerous females returned to the stream a few hours before hatching of the eggs. The occurrence of brooding females (females carrying juvenile crabs) extended from July to October, with the highest number in August (36%). Posthatching maternal care was recorded, which lasted between 7 to 10 days before juveniles left their mother’s abdominal cavity for an independent life.