Biology and biochemical composition of the deep-water shrimp Heterocarpus vicarius Faxon (Crustacea : Decapoda : Caridea : Pandalidae) from the southeastern Gulf of California, Mexico

Juvenile and adult specimens of the deep water shrimp Heterocarpus vicarius Faxon (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Pandalidae) were obtained from sampli ng operations in the southeast Gulf of California, Mexico. The catch (10.36 kg ha(-1)) represents the most important reported so far for this species. Fixed specimens were used for taxonomical and morphological analyses. Vari ation in rostrum:carapace length ratio was found to be related to size of i ndividuals. Number of spines on rostrum also varies considerably, from 5-14 dorsally and 8-12 ventrally. Fresh specimens were kept frozen and used to determine growth curve and biochemical composition of peeled tail (protein, lipid and trace metals). Protein (83.8-84.4%) and lipid (8.2-9.1%) content were independent from body size. Concentrations of trace metals (mu g gl d ry weight: Cu 17-20; Co 0.41-0.42; Cd 0.74-0.89; Cr 0.63-0.91; Mn 0.4-0.6; Fe 17-24; Ni 0.9-1.1; and Zn 26-33) were not significantly related to body size, except for Fe and Zn. On average, values were much lower than what ha s been reported for trace metals in whole individuals of other species of s hrimps, but were similar to values obtained in peeled tails of penaeid shri mp from the area.