Abstract
Mud shrimps (formerly Thalassinidea) are common burrow dwelling decapod crustaceans in the littoral zone of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Their burrow morphology was investigated using foam casting methods. The present study shows that the burrow morphology in Upogebia carinicauda is not consistent and the recorded variations are based on habitat type and some physical characteristics of sediments. Adult burrow morphology in sandy-muddy substrate with shells, and boulder field habitats were Y-shaped and complex burrows of horizontal channels with turning chambers and vertical connections to internal passages or crevices of boulders, respectively. In burrows of U. carinicauda, some narrow passages, connected to the upper part of adult burrows in sandy-muddy habitats, belong to juveniles. Another species, Neocallichirus jousseaumei was found under boulders in sandy-muddy habitats of the Gulf of Oman and Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf. Since this type of habitat is special in some features, no conspicuous ex-current openings (usually obvious as conical mounds of extruded sediment) have been observed on the sediment surface; as these were hidden among the boulders surrounded by mixed sand and shells. The only method for observing this type of burrow was to remove the boulders by hand or lever.
Highlights
Recent attempts have been made to document global mud shrimp diversity (Dworschak, 2005; Sakai, 2011)
There are a number of studies on burrow morphology and burrowing habits of gebiidean and axiidean mud shrimps
The burrow types of these mud shrimps in the Gulf of Oman and Qeshm Island region can be divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of surface mounds (Sepahvand and Sari, 2010)
Summary
Recent attempts have been made to document global mud shrimp diversity (Dworschak, 2005; Sakai, 2011). The Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are one of the most important regions in the world because of the high volume of oil transport by sea. Despite this maritime importance, there are few studies on marine environments and biodiversity of these coasts. Comprehensive studies prior to any habitat change in the region should be carried out. Key vulnerable organisms, such as mud shrimps, among others, are constantly exposed to these dangers as a result of habitat destruction.
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