Abstract:The relationships between 11 morphological characters and body weight of Exopalamon carincauda from three areas, including Haizhou Bay, Xiangshan Bay and Laizhou Bay were investigated. Morphological traits were used as independent variables and body weight was used as the dependent variable in correlation and path analysis.It was found that the correlation coefficients between all the 11 morphological characters and body weight were statistically significant (P<0.01). The path analysis revealed a convincible relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The path coefficients (Pi) of full length, body length, carapace length,telson length,carapace width,1st abdominal segment width to the body weight were all statistically significant,and were crucial to determine the body weight of E. carincauda. Judging from the result of multiple correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.931), the main variables have been selected. Multiple regression equation of X1,X2,X3,X5,X6,X7,X9 and Y was set up as: Y=0.007X1 +0.043X2 +0.044X3 +0.044X5+0.073X6 +0.111X7 +0.057X9 -3.838. This study provided basic data for E. carincauda biology and ideal measuring indicators for its extension as a model species for mariculture.
