The habitat of Varuna litterata in the bengawan solo river

Abstract

Varuna litterata is a crab that belongs to the Varunidae and has been caught to fulfill the need for the availability of an animal protein source. The purpose of this study was to determine the existing habitat of V. litterata in the Bengawan Solo River Estuary. Sampling of V. litterata was carried out every month for five months in three stations by using fixed nets. Water and substrate quality parameters were measured and examined. The samples of V. litterata that had been obtained were then counted and differentiated based on sex and size. The morphological characteristics were then recorded. The sample was then weighed, the width and length of the carapace were measured. The results showed that the abundance of V. litterata was even at each station. The carapace width distribution was dominated by 3.5-3.99 cm in size. The ratio of male and female individuals is still in balance. The results of this study indicated that V. litterata can be found in waters that are directly opposite the sea and spread as far as 32 km from the estuary. V. litterata can be found in waters that are still affected by tidal currents with salinity ranging from 20-25 ppt, temperature ranging from 31-33.2, river surface water current ranging from 0, 39-0,52 m/s with a textured bottom consisting of silty, clayey, sandy, and muddy.