Habitat ecology and substratum preference of brachyuran crabs of a tropical estuary, South-West coast of India

Abstract

Brachyuran crabs exhibit varying inhabitation patterns and habitat preferences and their existence and distribution influenced by the environmental factors prevailing in the area. The present study is an attempt to describe the habitat ecology, habitat preference and the distribution of the brachyuran crabs that are listed from the Cochin Backwaters. The study reveals that, rather than the water quality parameters, it is the sediment quality parameters, which influence the distribution of crabs. Apart from the substratum characteristics, salinity and the presence of mangroves also plays a significant role in the distribution of crabs in an area. Distribution of crabs was observed to be highest in the stations with muddy substratum, with high organic carbon content and comparatively high amount of moisture as well as ornamented with luxuriant mangrove patches.