The gonadal development in fresh water Crab Maydelliathelphusa masoniana (Henderson) is being described based on macrosophic and microscopic analysis for a period of two years viz (Jan 2012- Dec 2013). Maydelliathelphusa masoniana (Henderson) is a biannual breeder exhibiting two breeding peak seasons (June-July & Dec-Jan). The gonadal stages observed macroscopically by volume and colour were validated through histological analysis and proved to be useful method for the rapid identification of sexual maturity in the species. Size at sexual maturity was 3.5 cm and 4.5 cm of carapace width for females and males respectively. The histological description was based on 48 specimens (24 each sex). Four gonadal development stages were found for females: immature, ripening, mature and spawned. Three development stages were found for males immature, maturing and mature. The present study offers first report on histological aspects of M.masoniana under study since no work on this aspect of the species is on record from Jammu region.
