Crab Goniopsis Cruentata Research Articles

Differentially expressed morphological characters depend on sex and ontogenetic stage in the crab Goniopsis cruentata (Crustacea: Grapsidae)

The hypothesis of this study was that significant variations in the growth rates of Goniopsis cruentata are related to intersexual and age-related characteristics, particularly in areas identified as secondary sexual (pleon, carapace and chelipeds). From February 2019 to January 2020, a total of 713 individuals were captured, 378 males and 335 females, with a carapace width ranging from 0.42 to 6.59 cm. Males and females showed negative allometry (β0<1) for all linear morphometric relationships, with an ontogenetic difference (p=0.0001) for all comparisons. In geometric morphometry, the dorsal view showed a significant difference in sexual comparisons (p=0.0001), in which males were wider in the posterior region than females. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the abdominal region between young and adult females (p=0.0001), with the young ones being triangular and the adults oval, a characteristic brachyuran behaviour. We observed morphological separation in cheliped shape in sexual comparison (F×M) and laterality (R×L) (p=0.0001), with no ontogenetic variations (A×J). Goniopsis cruentata showed a noteworthy ontogenetic and sexual dimorphism. In addition, the discovery of cheliped variation was recorded for arboreal species that do not show a high degree of heterochely. Understanding these ontogenetic variations is crucial for effective conservation strategies because it allows specific life stages and their corresponding needs to be identified.

Mouthparts of the crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Grapsidae): morphological variations associated with environment, sex and stage of development

Abstract Individuals and populations can display variations in distinct aspects of their life histories, which could be reflected in their morphological characteristics. This study analyzed the mouthpart morphology of the crab Goniopsis cruentata in relation to environment, sex and stage of development. Our results indicate differences in the number of setae between developmental stages and environments, as well as the interaction between developmental stages and environments. There were no differences in setae types between stages, sexes or environments. There were differences in the shape of the ischium between adults and juveniles, with a more homogeneous ischium in juveniles than adults. We also found differences in food content between developmental stages, as well as an interaction between developmental stages and environment. Our results support an association between diet and morphology of mouthparts in G. cruentata, and that these apparatuses vary according to ontogenetic development and the environmental conditions that species are exposed to. These associations should be considered in studies that use these characteristics to verify morphological responses to environmental variations.

Mouthparts of the Crab Goniopsis Cruentata (Latreille, 1803) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Grapsidae): Morphological Variations Associated with Environment, Sex and Stage of Development

Mouthparts of the Crab Goniopsis Cruentata (Latreille, 1803) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Grapsidae): Morphological Variations Associated with Environment, Sex and Stage of Development

ASPECTOS POPULACIONAIS DO ARATU Goniopsis cruentata (LATREILLE, 1803) NOS MANGUEZAIS DO RIO REAL, INDIAROBA, ESTADO DE SERGIPE, BRASIL

Mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata purple mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata catching is intensive and has a great impact on the population structure. The present study aimed to present information on the population structure of aratu. The catching was carried out by a professional fisherwoman using a fishing rod with a line and bait, capturing specimens of all sizes –not only those that could be sold. The results indicated that males and females showed no difference in carapace width. Comparing average weights, males were heavier than females. Among the 448 captured females, 88% were ovigera females with a tendency to decrease between February and April and then increase. The dimension of males and females regarding carapace width indicated a predominance of females in the range between 3.2 and 4.3 cm and of males in the smallest and largest ranges. The total weight/carapace width ratio for males was PT = 0.2675*LC^3.475, showing positive allometric growth, and for females PT = 0.8863*LC^2.5775, showing negative ALLOMETRIC growth. The condition factor of females was higher (approximately 1.5 times) than that of males. Data collection took place in a short period, further research is therefore required.

Biochemical Characterization and Allosteric Modulation by Magnesium of (Na+, K+)-ATPase Activity in the Gills of the Red Mangrove Crab Goniopsis cruentata (Brachyura, Grapsidae).

We provide a kinetic characterization of (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity in a posterior gill microsomal fraction from the grapsid crab Goniopsis cruentata. (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity constitutes 95% of total ATPase activity, and sucrose density centrifugation reveals an ATPase activity peak between 25 and 35% sucrose, distributed into two, partially separated protein fractions. The (Na+, K+)-ATPase α-subunit is localized throughout the ionocyte cytoplasm and has an Mr of ≈ 10kDa and hydrolyzes ATP obeying cooperative kinetics. Low (VM = 186.0 ± 9.3nmol Pi min-1 mg-1 protein and K0.5 = 0.085 ± 0.004mmol L-1) and high (VM = 153.4 ± 7.7nmol Pi min-1 mg-1 protein and K0.5 = 0.013 ± 0.0006mmol L-1) affinity ATP binding sites were characterized. At low ATP concentrations, excess Mg2+ stimulates the enzyme, triggering exposure of a high-affinity binding site that accounts for 50% of (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity. Stimulation by Mg2+ (VM = 425.9 ± 25.5nmolPimin-1mg-1 protein, K0.5 = 0.16 ± 0.01mmol L-1), K+ (VM = 485.3 ± 24.3nmol Pi min-1 mg-1 protein, K0.5 = 0.9 ± 0.05mmolL-1), Na+ (VM = 425.0 ± 23.4nmol Pi min-1mg-1 protein, K0.5 = 5.1 ± 0.3mmol L-1) and NH4+ (VM = 497.9 ± 24.9nmol Pi min-1 mg-1 protein, K0.5 = 9.7 ± 0.5mmolL-1) obeys cooperative kinetics. Ouabain inhibits up to 95% of ATPase activity with KI = 196.6 ± 9.8µmolL-1. This first kinetic characterization of the gill (Na+, K+)-ATPase in Goniopsis cruentata enables better comprehension of the biochemical underpinnings of osmoregulatory ability in this semi-terrestrial mangrove crab.

Lead and cadmium in mangrove root crab (Goniopsis cruentata), in natura and at food processing stages

ABSTRACTLead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in mangrove root crab (Goniopsis cruentata) tissues (in natura) and in two culinary preparations by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mangrove root crab samples from three sampling sites along the Jaguaripe River, Bahia, Brazil, where lead-glazed ceramics are produced, and from two commercial preparations were collected or purchased in March and April 2016. Cd levels in raw and processed samples were below the methods’ limits of detection (0.016 mg kg−1), while Pb levels in the raw tissues were determined only in the gills (0.67 mg kg−1) and in the hepatopancreas (0.14 mg kg−1). However, Pb levels increased from 0.05 to 2.84 mg kg−1 in boiled/sorted muscle and in the traditional stew (with a 57-fold increase), respectively. Pb levels augmented significantly in the processed food due to migration of Pb used in the glazing of cooking ceramic utensils, surpassing the Brazilian and international safety limits.

Comparative biology of the crab Goniopsis cruentata: geographic variation of body size, sexual maturity, and allometric growth

Geographic variation of phenotypic traits is common across species and is often associated with variation in environmental conditions. Here, we found larger bodies and larger size at maturity in a northward, lower latitude population of the crab Goniopsis cruentata, which inhabits a hotter, drier environment in comparison with a southward, higher latitude population. Furthermore, the juvenile male gonopods grow more relative to body size in the population characterized by maturation at a smaller size. In contrast, the female abdomen widens at a higher rate among the late maturing population. These results provide further evidence that local environmental conditions play a role in phenotypic variation between populations inhabiting different latitudes. Moreover, they also show that variation in size at maturity and body size can lead to divergent allometric patterns of sexual characteristics that can have a sex-specific response.

Population biology of the crab Goniopsis cruentata: variation in body size, sexual maturity, and population density

We studied two key traits in the life of organisms, body size and sexual maturity, and a population attribute, density, of the crabGoniopsis cruentata. Also, we evaluated the role of environmental factors on population density. We caught crabs in two mangrove sites that are under different influence of tidal fluctuation, and obtained pH and salinity of mangrove soil from each site as well as rainfall data for the period of study. Both body size and sexual maturity differed between sites, in which individuals from the small-bodied population matured at smaller sizes than their counterparts from the large-bodied population, which matured at larger sizes. In addition, density of the small-bodied population was lower than that of the large-bodied one. We did not detect any influence of the environmental factors on population density. Our finding indicate that key life history traits and population characteristics can vary on a very small spatial scale which may help to further elucidate the biology of natural populations.

Biomarkers in mangrove root crab Goniopsis cruentata for evaluating quality of tropical estuaries

The present study reports the use of biomarkers analyzes in mangrove root crab Goniopsis cruentata tissues to assess the environmental quality of two tropical estuarine areas. Animals from Ceará River estuary presented inhibition of ChE and GST enzymatic activities and higher rates of DNA damage with respect to those sampled in a pristine environment. G. cruentata appears to represent a proper species to monitor the quality of tropical estuaries. Since Ceará River is a legally protected area, this survey highlight the needs to implement actions to control pollution loads and improve the protection of natural ecosystems and resources.

A heparin-like compound isolated from a marine crab rich in glucuronic acid 2-O-sulfate presents low anticoagulant activity

A natural heparin-like compound isolated from the crab Goniopsis cruentata was structurally characterized and its anticoagulant and hemorrhagic activities were determined. Enzymatic and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that its structure is rich in disulfated disaccharides, possessing significant amounts of 2-O-sulfated-β-d-glucuronic acid units. Furthermore, low amounts of trisulfated disaccharide units containing 2-O-sulfated-α-l-iduronic acid were detected, when compared to mammalian heparin. In addition, this heparin-like structure showed negligible in vitro anticoagulant activity and low bleeding potency, facts that make it a suitable candidate for the development of structure-driven, heparin based therapeutic agents with fewer undesirable effects.

Reproductive aspects and adaptive relative growth of the tropical crab Goniopsis cruentata

The knowledge of reproductive traits is essential to the comprehension of the evolution of life history and population dynamics of a species. Here, we evaluate morphological maturity, relative growth, fecundity, relationship between size and fecundity, brood loss, and seasonal variation of brood size in the crab Goniopsis cruentata. Crabs were collected during a period of one year in a tropical mangrove, Northeast Brazil. Males matured at smaller sizes than females. Compared to other studies, this result indicates that there appears to be no pattern of sexual maturity between the sexes in this species, with both sexes maturing earlier or later. The relative growth of the gonopod length (males) and abdomen width and length (males and females) is clearly related to different sex roles, i.e., incubating eggs in females and maximizing the number of mates in males. Fecundity increased with female size and was similar to the fecundity of previous studies with the same species. Egg number of females incubating early-stage eggs was higher than those incubating late-stage eggs, indicating loss of eggs during embryogenesis. Fecundity of females occurring in the dry season was higher than that of females occurring in the rainy season, indicating seasonal variation of brood size.

Condition factor of Goniopsis cruentata (Crustacea, Brachyura, Grapsidae) from Mundaú/Manguaba estuarine complex, Alagoas, Brazil

The condition factor is a parameter which acts as a general indicator of the "well-being" of a species, and it can be obtained through the analysis of width vs. weight relationships. The present work aims to investigate size vs. weight relationship and the condition factor of the crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803). The study area was the Mundaú/Manguaba estuarine complex, Maceió, state of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil. Samplings were monthly accomplished from August 2007 to July 2008. A total of 626 individuals were analyzed, being 309 males and 317 females. Males were larger and heavier than females, what is expected in many brachyuran. The growth was positive allometric to both males (b = 3.42) and females (b = 3.30), not obeying the "cube law". The condition factor of female was higher than that of male crabs, probably due to the gonad weight of females. It also varied seasonally for both sexes, being higher in the autumn and winter in males, and in the autumn and spring in females, and related to the molt and period of spawning intensification.

Feeding Behaviour and Ecosystem Role of the Red Mangrove Crab Goniopsis Cruentata (Latreille, 1803) (Decapoda, Grapsoidea) in a Subtropical Estuary on the Brazilian Coast

This study provides information concerning the feeding behaviour of Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803), through analysis of stomach contents according to demographic categories. Collections were carried out monthly from May 2005 through April 2006 in a subtropical estuary on the southeastern Brazilian coast (23°29′24″S 45°10′12″W). The crabs were collected by hand, with a 2-hour sampling effort by three people. In the laboratory, the crabs were sexed and measured for greatest carapace width, and grouped into demographic categories: adult males, juvenile males, adult females, juvenile females, and ovigerous females. For the fullness analysis, the stomachs were grouped into two categories: (1) E = Empty, with no food; and (2) F = Full, whether partially filled or totally. The frequency-of-occurrence method was used to characterize feeding behaviour, and the demographic categories recognired were compared. We obtained stomachs from 171 adult males, 69 juvenile males, 136 adult females, 72 juvenile females, and 41 ovigerous females, of which 85.6% were full. Of the eight food items recorded, sediment was the most frequent, and “unidentified material” was the least. Goniopsis cruentata can be characterized as a generalist feeder, exploiting most of the food items available in the mangrove swamps. In spite of this generalist behaviour, the dominant presence of sediment suggests that G. cruentata is primarily a detritivore that exploits particulate organic matter from microbial biodegradation, one of the most important mangrove functions. The trophic role of this crab in the ecosystem showed no significant differences among the demographic categories, and seems to be wider than those observed for sesarmid and ocypodid mangrove crabs. These ecosystem engineers may occupy different positions in the trophic chains of estuarine environments.

Morphology of the female reproductive system of the red-clawed mangrove tree crab (<em>Goniopsis cruentata</em> Latreille, 1803)

The present study describes the morphology of the female reproductive system and the development of the germ cells of the crab Goniopsis cruentata . Specimens were collected monthly from the mangrove of the Ceara River (Brazil) for study of the reproductive system. The ovarian lobes unite near the middle of the cephalothorax and extend to the third abdominal segment. The ovaries connect to spermathecae draining into a short oviduct. Microscopically, four types of germ cells were identified. Four stages of ovary development were defined based on macroscopic and microscopic features. The association of ovary development stages with biometric measures shows that ovaries of females with triangular abdomens and a carapace width (CW) of 21.0-29.3 mm were in the previtellogenic stage, while those of females with rounded abdomens and a CW of 26.4-46.1 mm varied with regard to maturity, the majority being late-stage vitellogenic or mature. The organisation of the female reproductive system of G. cruentata is similar to that of most other brachyurans, except for the extension of the ovaries to the abdomen.

Physiological maturity and relationships of growth and reproduction in the red mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille) (Brachyura, Grapsidae) on the coast of São Paulo, Brazil

This investigation provided information on the physiological sexual maturity and relationships of growth and reproduction in Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803). Collections were made monthly from January 1995 through December 1996, on the northeastern coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. The crabs were grouped into juvenile males; adult males; juvenile females, and adult females, including ovigerous ones. For each specimen the carapace width (CW) was measured, and molt condition and macroscopic developmental stage of the gonad tissue were recorded. CWs of physiologically mature crabs were between 21.4 and 23.7 mm for both sexes. This population showed molt activity in all size groups throughout the study period, which suggests continuous growth and the absence of terminal anecdysis. This may be associated with the ability of these animals to copulate during the intermolt, supplying a high proportion of mature individuals over time and ensuring continuity of reproduction year-round.

External factors determining breeding season in the red mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Grapsidae) on the São Paulo State northern coast, Brazil

This study evaluated the influence of the water and air temperatures, pluviosity and photoperiod on the breeding season of Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803), in Ubatuba littoral, southeastern Brazilian coast. Monthly collections were conducted out from January/95 to December/96 in an estuarine area from 23º29'10"-23º29'45"S to 45º09'10"-45º10'00"W. Water and air temperature variation showed the highest correlation coefficient with the frequency of ovigerous females, r² = 0.73 and 0.68, respectively. However, an analysis of the set of environmental variables, revealed the photoperiod as the factor of highest association with the ovigerous frequency (r² = 0.68). This degree of association allow us to suggest that the breeding season duration of G. cruentata might have some variations over different latitudes, and such results could be quite diverse in populations from different latitudes.

Abundance, reproductive period, and feeding habits of eleotrid fishes in estuarine habitats of north-east Brazil

Aspects of the abundance, reproduction, and feeding habits of Dormitalor maculatus, Eleotris pisonis, and Guavina guavina were assessed in the shallow waters of the Mundau/Manguaba estuarine system, north-east Brazil. Dormitator maculatus, the most abundant species, was caught in salinities ranging from 0·1 to 20·3 ppt and temperatures from 25·0 to 36·0° C. Eleotris pisonis, the second most abundant species, occurred in salinities from 0·1 to 18·2 ppt and temperatures from 25·0 to 33·0° C. Guavina guavina was rare at the stations sampled. Peak gonadal development was found during the winter (wet season) in D. maculatus and E. pisonis, and probably may occur during this season in G. guavina. Size-at-maturity was 51 and 46 mm T.L. for males and females of D. maculatus, respectively, and 57 and 43 mm T.L. for males and females of E. pisonis, respectively. Dormitator maculatus was omnivorous, and ingested primarily macrophytes, followed by sediment, and unidentified eggs; E. pisonis and G. guavina were predaceous, with the former preying mainly upon the gastropod Neritina virginea, and the latter mainly upon the crab Goniopsis cruentata. Dormitator maculatus and E. pisonis appear to coexist because of differences between the two in microhabitat and food utilization. The two more similar species, E. pisonis and G. guavina appear to coexist due to differences in spatial distribution.

Abundance, reproductive period, and feeding habits of eleotrid fishes in estuarine habitats of north‐east Brazil

Aspects of the abundance, reproduction, and feeding habits of Dormitalor maculatus, Eleotris pisonis, and Guavina guavina were assessed in the shallow waters of the Mundaú/Manguaba estuarine system, north‐east Brazil. Dormitator maculatus, the most abundant species, was caught in salinities ranging from 0·1 to 20·3 ppt and temperatures from 25·0 to 36·0° C. Eleotris pisonis, the second most abundant species, occurred in salinities from 0·1 to 18·2 ppt and temperatures from 25·0 to 33·0° C. Guavina guavina was rare at the stations sampled. Peak gonadal development was found during the winter (wet season) in D. maculatus and E. pisonis, and probably may occur during this season in G. guavina. Size‐at‐maturity was 51 and 46 mm T.L. for males and females of D. maculatus, respectively, and 57 and 43 mm T.L. for males and females of E. pisonis, respectively. Dormitator maculatus was omnivorous, and ingested primarily macrophytes, followed by sediment, and unidentified eggs; E. pisonis and G. guavina were predaceous, with the former preying mainly upon the gastropod Neritina virginea, and the latter mainly upon the crab Goniopsis cruentata. Dormitator maculatus and E. pisonis appear to coexist because of differences between the two in microhabitat and food utilization. The two more similar species, E. pisonis and G. guavina appear to coexist due to differences in spatial distribution.

Regulation of Pulmonary Blood Flow and of Blood Pressure in a Mangrove Crab (Goniopsis Cruentata)

ABSTRACT The air-breathing mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata ventilates the branchial chambers with its scaphognathites (SG). Ventilation is predominantly in the forward direction, but is punctuated by bouts of reversed pumping. Reversals are more frequent when crabs are in air than in water, and yet more frequent during respiratory stress (hypoxia or exercise). Reversed SG pumping is tightly coupled with bursts of impulses to the dorsal-ventral muscles (DVM) which span the anterolateral thorax. Phasic contractions of the DVMs increase the hemolymph pressure in the dorsal sinuses. These pressure pulses help drive hemolymph through the lungs. The coupled SG reversed ventilation and DVM-assisted increases in lung perfusion appear to be an adaptation to increase gas exchange at the lungs. When crabs are made hyper-or hypotensive by changes in hemolymph volume, the EMG activity of the DVMs dramatically decreases or increases, respectively. The resultant expansion or constriction of the dorsal sinuses is an effective baroreceptor reflex producing short-term adjustments in hemolymph pressure.

Contribution of Na/Na and Cl/Cl exchanges to sodium and chloride fluxes in the crabGoniopsis cruentata

Sodium or chloride efflux and transepithelial potentials (TEP) were measured in crabs exposed to seawater concentrations ranging from 150 to 25% SW. In crabs acclimated to 150% SW the Na+ efflux (3.8 mmol/h·100 g) was significantly higher than the Cl− efflux (2.1 mmol/h·100 g), but both fluxes decreased to about 0.6 mmol/h·100 g in crabs from 50 or 25% SW. The TEP varied linearly from −1 mV (blood negative) in 150% SW, to −11 mV in 25% SW. In 150 and 100% SW the calculated components of the ion fluxes (i.e., diffusive, urinary, active uptake or extrusion) added up to less than one-half of the isotopically measured values. In 50 and 25% SW the measured effluxes were fully accounted for by their calculated components. In crabs transferred from 150% SW to low-Na 150% SW (=TRIS ASW), the Na+ efflux decreased abruptly, from 3.7 to 0.6 mmol/h; the Cl− efflux decreased much less, from 1.9 to 1.5 mmol/h. A large fraction of the Na+ (or Cl−) fluxes in crabs from concentrated SW meets the criteria for exchange diffusion, which decreases or disappears as the external concentration of each ion is lowered. This suggests that changes of the permeability to ions, in response to alterations of environmental salinity, may not constitute an important adaptive strategy in this species.