Abstract
Uca annulipes(H. Milne Edwards) is the dominant fiddler crab inhabiting mangrove forests in East Africa. However, several aspects concerning its reproduction are poorly known. Such information is necessary for a better understanding of several biological aspects occurring in this species. The aim of this study was to assess the reproductive biology of Uca annulipes as well as some factors determining its breeding season. Samplings were undertaken from January to December 2002 at Costa do Sol, a tropical mangrove forest around Maputo Bay, southern Mozambique. Crabs were randomly sampled, measured for carapace width (CW) and checked for the presence of eggs on female pleopods. Like most tropical brachyurans, Uca annulipes follows a continuous reproduction throughout the year with peaks of spawning during summer season and low frequency of egg-bearing females during winter. The frequency of ovigerous females was correlated with the air temperature (r 2= 0.652, p < 0.05) and rainfall (r 2= 0.897, p < 0.001), with the last parameter being the most important factor regulating the reproductive activity of this crab.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
