RELATIVE GROWTH OF SPIDER CRAB ACANTHONYX-SCUTIFORMIS (DANA, 1851) (CRUSTACEA, DECAPODA, MAJIDAE)

The dimensions of chelar propodus and abdomen were utilized for the mo rphometric analysis about the relative growth studies of Acanthonyx sc utiformis (Dana, 1851). A total of 297 specimens (114 males and 183 fe males), was collected in Ubatuba, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The anim als were sexed and soarted to maturation phase (immature and mature). The following measurements were made: carapace (length and width), abd omen width and chelar propodus (length and height). In this study was applicated the power function (y= a.x(b)), in which the growth was con sidered positive allometric with isometric with b=1, and negative allo metric with b<1. The alometry becomes isometric, when the results conc erning immature and mature females and males are analysed. In the Brac hyura male chelipeds are utilized in territorial defense, fight, displ ay and courtship and female abdomens are utilized as a chamber that pr otect and incubate the eggs.