Population biology of the reef crab Eriphia gonagra (Fabricius, 1781): Spatial variations and anthropogenic impacts in the Western Tropical Atlantic

Abstract

The red-finger rubble crab, Eriphia gonagra, plays a fundamental ecological role in maintaining reef cover and is an important component of the reef food web. This study aimed to compare population aspects of E. gonagra in four reef areas in Northeastern Brazil and investigated the effects of anthropogenic impacts upon the community, including trampling, sewage discharge, and one of the largest oil spills in Brazilian history, which occurred in August 2019. Over the course of a year, 222 individuals of E. gonagra were examined. The oil spill impact did not affect the studied aspects of the population, but results pointed out that tourism caused a decrease in the average carapace size and maturation in Ponta Verde and Carneiros compared to less frequented areas. While the current study found no apparent impact of the oil spill on the studied aspects of the population, it underscores the ongoing need for research into the sub-lethal effects of oil spills. Continued investigation is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of potential long-term impacts and to refine our knowledge in this area. This study highlights the importance of research into the effects of human activities on benthic crustacean species in reef environments to better understand their overall health.