| one publication added to basket [116814] | Population and reproductive biology of the fiddler crab Uca chlorophthalmus (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) from Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique
Litulo, C. (2006). Population and reproductive biology of the fiddler crab Uca chlorophthalmus (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) from Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 86(4): 737-742. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315406013646
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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| Keywords |
Breeding seasons
Population characteristics > Population density
Population characteristics > Population structure > Sex ratio
Population characteristics > Population structure > Size distribution
Reproduction
Uca (Paraleptuca) chlorophthalmus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) [WoRMS]
ISW, Mozambique [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
This study aimed to assess the population biology and reproduction of the fiddler crab Uca chlorophthalmus at its limit of geographical distribution, Saco da Inhaca mangrove, southern Mozambique. Monthly samples were conducted at low tide periods between January and December 2003. The size distributions showed uni- and bimodal patterns, with males reaching larger sizes than ovigerous and non-ovigerous females. Females were slightly more abundant than males, but the overall sex ratio (1:1.01) did not differ significantly from 1:1 Uca chlorophthalmus displays continuous reproductive patterns with peaks of breeding in March and December. Moreover, linear correlations revealed that breeding in this crab is controlled by both temperature and rainfall. Similarly, juvenile recruitment was constant, but was more intense in winter (May-July). Brood size was positively associated with female size. Timing of the observed breeding pattern in the study area may enhance reproductive output and recruitment of the species. |
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