Cardisoma Armatum Research Articles

Serum Biochemistry and Enzymatic Biomaker of Gercacinid Crabs from Mangrove Swamp of the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

Environmental factor is known to influence crab immune chemistry. This study presents the haemato-biochemical parameters and enzymatic biomarker of gercacinid crabs (Cardisoma guanhumi and Cardisoma armatum) from mangrove swamp of the Lagos Lagoon using standard procedure. The haemocyte subpopulations were higher in C. guanhumi than the percentage obtained in C. armatum with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Significantly, higher range values of aspartate aminotransferase (12.03±0.35 µi-1), alanine aminotransferase (10.07±0.58 µi-1), alkaline phosphatase (89.94±3.38 µi-1), lactate dehydrogenase (124.86±0.70 µi-1) and urea (33.90±2.00 mg dL-1) were recorded in C. guanhumi. Examined samples of gercacinid crabs showed significant difference only in malondialdehyde (among the enzymatic biomarkers) with mean values of 6.32±0.05 Hmol/mg pro and 9.36±0.27 Hmol/mg pro for C. guhanhumi and C. armatum respectively. The haemato-biochemical parameters of the gercacinid from the studied location varied across species.

Heavy metal health risk assessment in Cardisoma armatum Herklots, 1951 land crab tissues around Kribi mangrove areas, Cameroon

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mangrove crabs has been reported and most of them are toxic to animals and potential human carcinogens. Given that the land crab Cardisoma armatum Herklots, 1951 is more consumed by surrounding populations, this study aimed to quantify the levels of metals in its tissues and to assess the human health risks. Soft tissues were isolated in adult crabs and frozen then; samples were dried, crushed and handled following the standard procedures. Human health risks were evaluated using some indices. Heavy metal levels in each tissue were shown in decreasing order: Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Cd > Pb. Cadmium, lead and copper metals were in upper levels in the hepatopancreas (0.35, 0.19 and 7.88 mg/kg) whereas iron, aluminium and zinc were higher in muscles (129.30, 15.96 and 82.83 mg/kg). Most EDI values were apparently below the PTDI and CRLim values signifying that the consumption of C. armatum remains safe for consumers although, a limit in intake frequency might be required for children. For all metals, THQ and HI values were below the standard value 1 indicating no health risks in consumers due to the intake of single or several metals. Also, the carcinogenic risks for Cd and Pb metals are considered to be negligible because they are lower than 10−6. Overall, regarding the results, consumption of C. armatum seems harmless for human health in the study area.

Analysis and Estimated Daily Intake of Toxic Metals in Cardisoma Armatum and Its Health Risk Index in Lagos, South West Nigeria.

Analysis and Estimated Daily Intake of Toxic Metals in Cardisoma Armatum and Its Health Risk Index in Lagos, South West Nigeria.

Nutrient compositional variation and interrelationship in the muscle of wild and plastic-reared brachyuran

Edible brachyurans are recognized as a popular source of food due to their delicious taste and nutritional quality. This study investigated the nutrient compositional variation and interrelationship in the muscle of wild and plastic-reared Cardisoma armatum. The plastic-reared crab had 27.81 ± 2.29 g 100 g-1 protein while crab from the wild contained 22.45 ± 2.65 g 100 g-1 protein. The difference in protein content of plastic-reared and its counterpart from the mangrove swamp was not significantly different (p > 0.05). This is also true of other proximate composition except that wild crabs were slightly higher in both crude fat (2.68 ± 0.35 g 100 g-1) and carbohydrate (5.89 ± 3.05 g 100 g-1). Generally, the total energy contributed due to protein, carbohydrate and fat in the tissues of both wild and plastic-reared C. armatum are similar. In the wild crab, contents of calcium (16083.27 ± 2127.90 mg 100 g-1) and phosphorus (1191.42 ± 199.21) were relatively higher, while contents of magnesium (368.69 ± 111.05 mg 100 g-1), sodium (125.30 ± 11.18 mg 100 g-1) and potassium (87.36 ± 7.27 mg 100 g-1) were relatively higher in plastic-reared crabs. All significant mineral ratios in wild and plastic-reared C. amartum fall within acceptable range. The positive relationship in the nutritional quality indicates that changes in proximate composition are associated with changes in mineral contents of the crab tissue.

Improving the food health and nutritional quality of populations through the production, development and consumption of crab (Cardisoma armatun) in Côte d'Ivoire

Nutritional deficiencies in animal proteins and the absence of food hygiene are increasingly observed among low-income populations in West African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire. In order to contribute to the resolution of this situation which affects food security, this study proposes to promote the production and consumption of Cabe (Cardisoma armatum) by the Ivorian populations. Thus, one hundred male and female juveniles of C. armatum were captured in the Ebrié lagoon. After purification and reproduction, they were subjected to chemical and biochemical analyses. At the end of this study, about 2537 individuals of Cardisoma armatum respecting health and nutritional standards are produced per semester. The assay of minerals reveals, among other things, a respective phosphorus, sodium and iodine content of 343 mg; 402mg; and 100 µg per 100 g of crab. Riboflavin (B2) and panthoneic acid (B5) are remarkable with respectively 0.9 and 1 mg per 100 g of crab. Thus the populations who have adhered to this new nutritional practice, in addition to seeing their health improve, see their financial resources increase through the production and marketing of crabs.

Growth and immunological profile of gercacinid crab at different sublethal salinity regimes

Salinity is the most variable ecological parameter in the lagoon with daily and seasonal variations. The changes in growth, serum biochemistry and antioxidant enzymes activities of Cardisoma armatum were examined during 84-day exposure to five different sublethal salinities (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ppt). At the start of the trial, the crab initial average body weight was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The highest weight gain was recorded in 15 ppt (47.40±1.01 g), followed by 20 ppt, 10 ppt and 5 ppt with no significant differences between them. At the end of 84 days experiment, the crab exhibited the lowest body weight growth (48.29 %) at 0 ppt and the highest (81.04±1.08%) at 10 ppt. The 10 ppt treatment had the highest specific growth rates (0.31±0.11 %/day), followed by 5 ppt, 20 ppt, 15 ppt, and then 0 ppt treatments. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases significantly decreased after 0 ppt, but mean serum protein value increased with salinity increase. Greater activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde were recorded in 5-20 ppt. All the antioxidant enzyme activities (with the exception of glutathione) showed significant differences. Thus, deviation from the brackish water condition adversely affects the growth and immune functions of the gecarcinid, resulting in population decline in reclaimed wetlands.

Functional potential of the edible portion in wild and cultured crabs

Abstract. Crab proteins can be utilized as additives in baking items, as well as contributing to the nutritional content of dishes. The edible portion’s functional potential in wild and cultivated crabs (Cardisoma armatum) was determined using standard methods. In addition to water absorption capacity, both wild and cultivated female crabs had an encouragingly high swelling power of 269.30±24.26% and 238.78±3.25%, respectively. In combined sexes, there were higher percentages (%) of water absorption capacity (135.46), oil absorption capacity (74.27), emulsion stability (42.90), foam capacity (5.32), foam stability (40.25), dispersibility (10.01), swelling power (269.93) and solubility (3.33) in the edible portion of wild C. armatum. The cultured crabs showed higher values of packed bulk density (0.83 g.ml-1), loose bulk density (0.47 g.ml-1) and specific gravity (0.49 g.ml-1) while the wild crabs had better emulsion capacity (1.94 ml.g-1). The functional potential of the edible portion in wild and cultured crabs showed no significant differences (p<0.05). High functional solubility of the crab edible portion indicates potential applications in formulated food systems by providing attractive appearance and smooth mouthfeel to the product.

Metal accumulation in two crab species from the Woji Creek (Nigeria) and human health risk assessment due to crab consumption: Callinectes sapidus and Cardisoma armatum

This study evaluates the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, As and Cu in water, sediment and tissues (gill, muscle, hepatopancreas) of two crab species (Callinectes sapidus and Cardisoma armatum) collected from the Woji Creek in Niger Delta, Nigeria. As well as the health risk of consuming the crabs was determined. Mean values of metals in surface water revealed concentrations (mg/L) of a trend of Pb (3.252) > Cu (2.328) > Cr (1.590) > Cd (0.146) > Ni (0.109) and in sediments, the trend was in the order Pb (140.930) > Ni (37.481) > Cr (29.984) > Cu (21.001) > Cd (8.910). Hepatopancreas of the crabs accumulated higher concentrations of Cd and Pb; with mean concentrations of Cd and Pb of 0.110 ± 0.008 mg/kg and 1.364 ± 0.060 mg/kg in Callinectes amnicola, and 0.112 ± 0.008 mg/kg and 0.735 ± 0.026 mg/kg in Cardisoma armatum respectively. In the tissues of the three crab species, Pb and Cr were highest; while As was very low in the crab species. The HI was below 1 for males and females (adults and children) which indicates no risk to health from consumption of the edible crab species. Although the risk due to the consumption of these is low, they could be a dietary source of chronic doses of metals to humans.

HEAVY METALS AND HYDROCARBONS IN SEDIMENT AND CRAB (CARDISOMA ARMATUM) AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF AMADI CREEK, PORT HARCOURT

Food security is hinged on quality and integrity of the surrounding environment. Food quality and security of coastline communities are tied to the constituents of benthic organisms in the area. This study assessed the heavy metals and hydrocarbons status of sediment and crab (Cardisoma armatum) in Amadi Creek in Port Harcourt. Sediment and crab samples were collected from five stations along a 10 km transect for four months. The heavy metals results for sediment showed the following: Zn (18.624 ± 1.254), Pb (0.791 ± 0.072), Cd (0.031 ± 0.012), Cr (3.323 ± 1.079), Ni (1.848 ± 1.329) and V (0.067 ± 0.102 mg/Kg). The heavy metals ranges in the crab were Zn (20.838 ± 7.803), Pb (0.000 ± 0.000) Cd (0.004 ± 0.014), Cr (0.500 ± 0.239), Ni (1.181 ± 0.562) and V (0.055 ± 0.112 mg/Kg). Hydrocarbon results for sediment were TPH (10.020 ± 11.255), PAH (1.377 ± 1.587 mg/Kg), while the crab had ranges of TPH (1.732 ± 2.235) and PAH (0.003 ± 0.007 mg/Kg). The results were within regulatory permissible limits of EGASPIN and WHO. ANOVA at p>0.05 indicated no significant spatial difference between the heavy metals and hydrocarbon concentrations in the sediments and crab at the various stations along the transect. Sediment heavy metal Ecological Risk Assessment revealed that contamination degree and pollution load index were < 1 (indicating no pollution); geo-accumulation index was grade 0 (unpolluted), individual potential risks and potential ecological risk index were < 40 and < 150 respectively (indicating low ecological risk). Sediment to biota transfer factor indicated that Zn was the only heavy metal biomagnified in the crab. Human health risk assessment of the heavy metals in the crab was less than 1 indicating no obvious health risk for cancer over a lifetime of exposure.

Use of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Combination with Chitosan on Maize Crop: Promising Prospects for Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly Agriculture and against Abiotic Stress

Faced with the problems posed by the abusive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it is important to find other alternatives that can guarantee a sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of a PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) Pseudomonas putida strain to different abiotic stress in in vitro conditions and the synergistic effect of this rhizobacterium in combination with chitosan extracted from crab exoskeletons on the growth of maize in greenhouse conditions. The strain of P. putida was put in culture at different temperatures, pH, and NaCl concentrations to determine its growth. Then, this strain in combination with chitosan extracts were tested for their ability to improve maize growth for 30 days. The results showed that the P. putida strain showed excellent resistance capacities to different salt concentrations, pH, and temperature variations. Moreover, an improvement in plant growth and biomass yield parameters was observed. The highest values of height, diameter, and leaf area were obtained with the plants treated with the combination of chitosan extracted from Cardisoma armatum and P. putida, with increases of 26.8%, 31%, and 55.7%, respectively, compared to the control. This study shows the possibility of using chitosan and rhizobacteria as biostimulants to improve productivity and increase maize yield in a sustainable manner.

Heavy metals in shell fishes of Ojo River, Lagos State, Nigeria


 
 
 The research examined the accumulations of six heavy metals including chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) in water as well as in three male and female species of crab (Cardisoma armatum, Callinectes danae, Callinectes ornatus) sampled from Ojo River in Lagos State of Nigeria. Physico-chemical parameters of the water samples from the River and heavy metal concentrations in the crab species obtained also from the River were examined using standard methods. The results showed that total dissolved solute (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand varied significantly along the River course, with TDS and EC being relatively high. Heavy metals detected in the crabs were Fe, Cu and Zn, with Cu being the highest in the species examined. The species C. ornatus presented the highest content of Cu followed by C. armatum and C. danae. The content of heavy metals (mg kg–1) among the crab species showed that Cu (23.47±0.10) > Zn (19.06±0.01) > Fe (16.85±0.01) in all the species except in C. armatum where Fe (1.26±0.44) was > Zn (1.19±0.02). Furthermore, Pb, Cd and Cr were not found in the crabs and this could be associated with the fact that the area consists mainly of residential houses, farms and a few industries. Notably, the content of the heavy metals was larger in the female than the male crabs. This study reported different levels of heavy metal accumulation in male and female species of crabs. Also, the shell fishes from Ojo River might be considered safe for consumption, but the need for continuous monitoring to prevent bioaccumulation is recommended.
 
 

Food and feeding habits of the land crabCardisoma armatum(Herklots, 1851) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

AbstractThe food and feeding habits of Cardisoma armatum Herklots, 1851 was investigated in Ehotile Islands National Park from January to December 2018. A total of 355 cardiac stomachs were examined, and the diet studied according to size, sex, and seasons. The relationship between the length of the intestine (Li) and carapace (Lc) was found to be log Li = –0.3203 + 1.0064 × log Lc. The relative importance of food (RIF) showed that C. armatum has an omnivorous diet with insectivorous tendency. Macrophytes, insects, crustaceans, molluscs, fishes, and oligochaete worms were the major feed. Macrophytes (RIF 64.17%) was the main prey, insects (RIF33.6%) a secondary prey, while molluscs (RIF 1.26%), crustaceans (RIF 0.7), fishes (RIF 0.14%), and oligochaetes (RIF 0.13%) were incidental prey. Macrophytes and insects were respectively the primary (RIF 59.35% and 57.79%) and secondary (RIF 37.51% and 39.33%) prey consumed by juveniles (Lc ˂ 64.44 mm) and adults (Lc ≥ 64.44 mm). There was a significantly different diet between males and females (P ˃ 0.05), between rainy and dry seasons (P ˃ 0.05) and a similar diet composition between juveniles (P ˂ 0.05) and adults (P ˂ 0.05).

Comparative transcriptome analysis of the gills of Cardisoma armatum provides novel insights into the terrestrial adaptive related mechanism of air exposure stress

Cardisoma armatum is a typical member of the Gecarcinidae which show significant behavioral, morphological, physiological, and/or biochemical adaptations permitting extended activities on the land. The special gills (branchiostegal lung) of C. armatum play an important role in maintaining osmotic pressure balance and obtaining oxygen to adapt to the terrestrial environment. However, adaptive molecular mechanisms responding to air exposure in C. armatum are still poorly understood. In this study, transcriptomic analysis and histological analysis were conducted on the gills to test adaptive capabilities over 8 h between the aerial exposure (AE) and the water immersion (WI) group. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to terrestrial adaptation were categorized into four broad categories: ion transport, acid-base balance, energy metabolism and immune response. This is the first research to reveal the molecular mechanism of terrestrial adaptation in C. armatum, and will provide new insight into the molecular genetic basis of terrestrial adaptation in crabs.

EFFICACY OF CHITOSAN EXTRACTED FROM CRAB EXOSKELETONS (CALLINECTES AMNICOLA AND CARDISOMA ARMATUM) IN COMBINATION WITH PSEUDOMONAS PUTIDA ON THE GROWTH AND GRAIN YIELD OF MAIZE ON FERRALLITIC SOIL IN SOUTH BENIN

The objective of the study was to evaluate chitosans produced from the exoskeletons of water (Callinectes amnicola) and land (Cardisoma armatum) crabs for use in agriculture in Benin. Then, the effects of these chitosans were combined with Pseudomonas putida in order to see their synergistic effects on the growth and yield of maize seeds of the variety EVDT 97 STR C1 for 80 days. The experimental design was a block of 13 treatments with three (03) replicates. After 60 DAS in the field, application of the combination C. amicola + P. putida + 50% NPK and C. armatum + P. putida + 50% NPK showed the highest average heights. Plants treated with the combination of C. armatum + P. putida + 50% NPK and C. amnicola + 50% NPK gave the best corn grain yields with increases of 51.68% and 45.57% respectively. This study confirms that sources of chitosan from shellfish exoskeletons are available in Benin and shows the potential to use chitosan alone or in combination with Rhizobacteria as bio fertilizers to improve productivity and increase maize yield in Benin while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.

Growth Characteristics of Edible Land Crab <i>Cardisomaarmatum</i> (Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) from KribiMangroves, Cameroon

The land crab <i>Cardisoma armatum</i> is traditionally overexploited for consumption issue in Cameroonian mangroves. However, the exploitation of this natural resource ignores sustainable management. Hence, the study aims to assess the availability and growth patterns of <i>C. armatum</i> in Kribi mangroves throughout some of their morphological parameters. Several individuals were captured inside traps baited once each two months from March 2019 to March 2020. Then, wellbeing, growth patterns and size at the first sexual maturity were assessed based on sex, seasons or maturity stages. Despite the fact that the condition factor (K) value overall remained below 1, females and matures individuals were in a better wellbeing compared to males and immature. In the CW-BW relationships, the allometry coefficients (b) were below 3 for both sexes, suggesting a negative allometry growth patterns which means that crabs are lighter than their body weights. In the CW-CL and CW-BH relationships, males showed a positive allometry (b>1) while females a negative allometry (b<1). Fifty percent maturity of females (CW₅₀=58.87±0.14 mm) was significantly lower than that of males (CW₅₀=62.67±0.08 mm). Immature and mature crabs were recorded throughout the sampling period indicating that this species breeds throughout the year with a peak between September and November.

English

Crabs play an important economic and bio-ecological role in most aquatic ecosystems and occupy an important place in the variety of trophic niches. Callinectes amnicola Rochebrune and Cardisoma armatum Herklots are two edible species widely exploited in Benin. The present work aims to i) evaluate the socio-economic and cultural importance of those two crab species, ii) analyze the dynamics of the value chain, and iii) monitor the flow of their resources. Surveys were carried out during February 2018 to September 2019 among target groups in Oueme, Atlantic and Littoral administrative Departments of Benin through structured and semi-structured interview methods as well as free interview. Results indicate that fishermen/catchers (12.76%), wholesalers/collectors (25.53%) and retailers (61.70%) are the actors involved in the crab value chain. Between 40 and 50% of fishery products are exported to markets in Togo and Ghana. Not all of the exoskeletons resulting from post-capture losses and those resulting from treatments for consumption, in particular C. amnicola (74.46%) and C. armatum (76.59%) are used, which poses an environmental management problem. The gains made in the sector vary from 8.000±2.828 Financial Community African Franc (FCAF) (C. amnicola) to 20.000±21.213 FCAF (C. armatum). The study found that crabs (C. armatum and C. amnicola) have remarkable socio-economic importance in Southern Benin, Africa. Key words: Crab, economic analysis, monitoring, Benin.

Brachyuran Crab Fauna Character Estimated from Marine Water of Bangladesh and Noted New Record (Crustacea: Decapoda) as Distribution

As habitat and distribution, in the study a total of 18 crab species were identified, belonging to 10 families (Calappidae, Epialtidae, Gecarcinidae, Grapsidae, Matutidae, Ocypodidae, Panopeidae, Sesarmidae, Varunidae, and Xanthidae) order Decapoda under subphylum crustacean with relevant distinguish morphological and meristic character and geographical position. We investigated crab species of Bangladesh from December 2013 to October 2014. All species samples were collected by hand picking on a baseline survey in Saint Martin’s Island (the only coral island of Bangladesh) and adjacent marine water body of Bay of Bengal, Satkhira area (brackish and freshwater) and mangrove forest area (Sundarban). Among 18 species, 10 crab species from Family Epialtidae (1 species), Gecarcinidae (2 species), Ocypodidae (1 species), Panopeidae (1 species), Sesarmidae (1 species) and Xanthidae (4 species) were newly occurred in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Cardisoma armatum and Zosymus aeneus species were larger than other enlisted species.

Comparative study of parasitic loads of Callinectes amnicola and Cardisoma armatum from two major river systems in Rivers State, Nigeria

The consumption of sea food especially crabs in the Niger Delta is an indelible aspect of the culinary culture of the people and a veritable avenue to contracting zoonotic infections. A comparative analysis of the parasitic fauna status of two edible crabs; C. armatum from the New Calabar River and the marine crab; C. amnicola from the Elechi Creek was conducted from March to June, 2016. The physico-chemical parameters of the water samples were determined using standard techniques. The samples were dissected and the hemolymph, the appendages, gill, mouth parts and eye, carapace and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) examined. 147 samples of C. amnicola comprising of 79 (53.74%) males and 68 (46.26%) females were sampled while 123 samples of C. armatum comprising of 59 (47.96%) males and 64 (52.03%) female were also sampled. Data revealed that out of the 147 C. amnicola sampled, 61(41.49%) were infected while 63 (41.50%) were infected out of the 123, C. amnicola sampled. Sex related prevalence showed that C. amnicola, females had higher prevalence when compared to the males. However, C. armatum, males had a higher prevalence when compared to the females although the prevalence between the sexes was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). There was variability in the parasite load across the sets of infections with the gastrointestinal tract, hemolymph and gills while the least infected sites were the mouthparts/eyes and appendages in both species of crabs. Also, protozoa had the highest prevalence in C. amnicola while nematodes had the highest prevalence in C. armatum. There were also variation in parasitic infection in relation to weight, width and length. The study is of the opinion that blue crabs and land crabs from new Calabar River and Elechi Creek were heavily infected with parasites and should be adequately cooked before consumption. The study also opines that public awareness campaigns should be more regular to educate the riverine residence on current waste management strategies.

High levels of mercury in wetland resources from three river basins in Ghana: a concern for public health.

Crustaceans, mollusks, and fish are wetland resources that constitute an important source of protein and foreign exchange for the Ghanaian population, and many species of these are sold in the open market and restaurants, yet studies on their heavy metal contents are generally scarce. This paper evaluates the levels of mercury in five species of crustaceans, two species of mollusks, and ten species of fish inhabiting three river basins with different catchment activities in Ghana. These include the Ankobra Basin, characterized with mining and agriculture, Densu Basin, associated with urban waste discharges and agriculture, and Lower Volta River Basin, associated with agricultural activities. Mercury concentration was highest in Ankobra (2.5±2.59μgg-1) followed by Densu (1.75±1.35μgg-1) and Volta (0.74±1.46μgg-1). The mercury load of the organisms range from <0.1 to 4μgg-1 with the highest load in Cynoglossus senegalensis at Ankobra. Except for Panaeus notialis from Densu and Ankobra, and three other species from Ankobra (Tympanotonus fuscatus, Cardisoma armatum, Callinectes amnicola) in which mercury was not detected, mercury loads of all the organisms were above the permissible limit of 0.5mgkg-1 established by Commission Regulation-EC (2006) for fishery products and muscle meat of fish. Weekly quantities of crustaceans and mollusks considered safe for consumption by adults ranged from 88 and 1000g while that of the fishes were between 70 and 700g (on a dry weight basis) depending on the species. It was clear that some caution needs to be exercised in the consumption of Ghana's fresh and brackish water fisheries.

Some ecological aspects of the gecarcinid land crab, &lt;i&gt;Cardisoma armatum&lt;/i&gt; Herklots, 1851 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Gecarcinidae) from the estuarine region of the Comoe River, Côte d’Ivoire

Cardisoma armatum Herklots, 1851 is a land crab endemic to tropical coastal ecosystems and represents an important fishery resource. C. armatum was collected using traps at the eastern region of the Ebrie lagoon and the estuarine region of the Comoe River in 2009 during the high rainy season extending from mid-May to mid-July and in low dry season from mid-July to September. Some biometric parameters are measured to determine some aspects of population structure and condition of this edible crab. Sexual dimorphism was confirmed with the major chelae of male crabs reaching larger sizes than those of females. The sex ratio that varied with the sampling periods was associated with migrations occurring during the breeding season. Positive, negative, and positive allometric growth patterns were observed for the carapace length-total weight relationship, respectively, in males, females, and the population as a whole. For the carapace width/total weight relationship, negative allometric growth was observed, respectively, in males, females, and the whole population. Our data show an evidence of a serious problem of recruitment in the population of this crab related to degradation of the habitats and heavy harvesting pressures, highlighting the necessity of developing and implanting management and protection strategies of this crustacean. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Cardisoma armatum , Population structure, Condition index, Ebrie lagoon, Comoe River, Cote d’Ivoire