|
Ovarian stage |
Macroscopic description |
|
I – Immature/recovering
(previtellogenic stage) |
Ovaries are thin strand-like and translucent to opaque white; recovering spent ovaries in few crabs. |
| II – Developing (vitellogenic stage I) |
Ovaries are thickened and dark yellow; oocytes are arranged compactly and are not clearly visible within the ovary. |
| III – Mature
(vitellogenic stage II) |
Ovaries further thickened and orange in colour; oocytes are clearly visible in the ovary. |
| IV – Ripe
(vitellogenic stage III) |
Ovaries swollen and large; dark brown or bright orange; oocytes are clearly visible in the ovary. |
| V – Spent ovary |
Ovaries are slightly thick and white in colour; few unspent dark orange or dark brown oocytes are also present in some crabs.
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