Hepatus Pudibundus Research Articles

Brazilian Miocene crabs I. Taxonomic review of Cyclocancer tuberculatus Beurlen, 1958 and Hepatella amazonica Beurlen, 1958 (Pancrustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura)

In describing Cyclocancer to accommodate his new species C. tuberculatus, Beurlen highlighted that his new genus was a cancroid intermediate in form between Atelecyclus and Cancer, but with enough characters to be placed in a new genus. Examination of C. tuberculatus type material revealed that Cyclocancer is a junior synonym of Hepatus. Therefore, C. tuberculatus is herein transferred into Hepatus as H. beurleni nomen novum because H. tuberculatus (Beurlen, 1958) is a junior homonym of H. tuberculatus Saussure (1858), a junior synonym of Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785). Miohepatus gen. nov., comb. nov. is proposed here to accommodate Hepatella amazonica Beurlen from the Pirabas Formation, Neogene, Pará, Brazil, based on new morphological evidence from the type material.

Acute metabolic responses of two marine brachyuran crabs to dilute seawater: The aerobic cost of hyper regulation.

Hepatuspudibundus ("flecked box crab") is a stenohaline osmoconfomer, and restricted to marine habitats. Callinectes danae ("swimming crab Dana") lives in coastal/estuarine waters and is a weak hyper regulator. There is no consensus on which strategy is more expensive metabolically face salinity challenges: conformation with higher dependence on cell volume regulation, or hyper regulation, alleviating the need for intense cell volume regulation. Crabs were probed for their acute response to dilute seawater through exposures to salinities 35‰, 30‰, 25‰, and 20‰for 2, 4, and 6 h. Hemolymph osmolality, lactate, and ions (chloride, sodium, magnesium, potassium) were assayed, as well as muscle water content. Water dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and pH levels were also measured. H. pudibundus conformed for osmolality and displayed increase in muscle hydration along the decrease in salinity down to 25‰, while C. danae efficiently maintained hemolymph osmo ionic stability, consumed more oxygen, acidified more the water, and released more ammonia. In 25‰,both species spent energy: H. pudibundus putatively controlling cell volume, and C. danae regulating hemolymph concentrations. In 20‰, H. pudibundus closed itself, avoiding the contact of the interface epithelia with the external environment and producing much lactate, whereas C. danae spent more energy (aerobic) in extracellular osmo ionic stability. Under these conditions, anisosmotic extracellular regulation (together with additional cell volume regulation) is more oxygen consuming than osmoconformation with a putatively more intense challenge to cell volume. The exposure to hyposalinity limits the occupation of estuarine environments by H. pudibundus in short and middle term.

Relative growth and morphological sexual maturity of the crab Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Decapoda: Aethridae) in southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT The crab Hepatus pudibundus is a bycatch of the shrimp fishing industry, and despite having no commercial value, it is impacted by fishing activities. In this way, research about relative growth and sexual maturity can help to understand the life cycle of fisheries-affected species. Thus, the present study aimed to estimate morphological sexual maturity (MSM) and analyse the relative growth of a population of H. pudibundus. For morphometric analysis and MSM estimate, the following structures were measured: the carapace (CW) and abdomen width (AW), the left and right cheliped propodus length (LPL and RPL) and height (LPH and RPH) for both sexes, and the gonopodium length (GL) for males. No heterochely was observed for both sexes, but the propodus dimensions showed sexual dimorphism. Males attain MSM at 44.71 mm CW and females at 41.87 mm CW. Males and females showed higher growth rates in GL and AW, respectively, in the juvenile stage, suggesting a greater investment in the development of secondary sexual characteristics before MSM. The present study provides information on the growth pattern of the species, which is significant to the community structure of fishing areas and serves as a parameter for evaluating protective measures that have been implemented.

Bioactivity of the Protein Hydrolysates Obtained from the Most Abundant Crustacean Bycatch.

The animals from bycatch of the shrimp fisheries can be a source of natural products and bioactive compounds. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of protein hydrolysates prepared from the two most abundant crabs from the bycatch of shrimp fisheries in Brazil (Callinectes ornatus and Hepatus pudibundus). Samples of C. ornatus and H. pudibundus were collected in the region of Ubatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Muscles with small pieces of exoskeleton of both species were hydrolyzed using two enzymes, Alcalase 2.4 L® or Protamex®. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was analyzed used three methods: DPPH, sulfhydryl groups, and peroxyl radicals. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the hydrolysates was investigated using pre-osteoblasts cells. The results showed that the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of H. pudibundus was superior to DH of C. ornatus using both enzymes and was higher when using the enzyme Alcalase 2.4 L® (32.0% ± 1.9). The analysis suggested that the hydrolysates have antioxidant activity. Besides that, no cytotoxic effect was observed on cell viability. Thus, protein hydrolysates of C. ornatus and H. pudibundus have bioactivity, which add value to these bycatch species and suggests their potential use as nutraceutical ingredient in the food industry.

Decapod crustaceans associated with the shrimp fishery of the central-south portion of Veracruz, Mexico

The objective of this study was to analyze the brachyuran crab assemblages associated with shrimp fishing on the central-southern coast of Veracruz. Information was collected using 46 trawls organized within nine fishing quadrants. The total catch shrimp, bycatch, and discard were recorded and standardized (CPUE kg h-1). Value index by species, species richness, diversity using Shannon and Weaver index, and equitability were determined. A total of 3055 individuals were collected, which corresponded to nine families, 13 genera, and 14 species. Achelous spinicarpus species were identified at the greatest relative abundance (77.74%). Four new species records for the zone: Hepatus pudibundus, Iliacantha liodactylus, Leiolambrus punctatissimus, and Platylambrus granulatus. Species richness varied according to fishing quadrant and depth interval assessed. The highest value of species richness was eight, and observed Margalef species richness index values ranged from 0 to 2.23. The diversity values ranged from 0 to 2.41 bits ind-1; this may indicate that a few species share the greatest impact of trawling. The presence of lagoon systems was determined to define a portion of the composition of the assemblage. Understanding assemblage structure is important to improve knowledge on the impact of shrimp trawling activity on the ecosystem.

Assessing the factors driving the changes in the spatio‐temporal distribution of Hepatus pudibundus (Decapoda, Brachyura) over a 20‐year interval in a region under the influence of El Niño (ENSO)

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the spatio‐temporal distribution of demographic groups of Hepatus pudibundus in the Ubatuba Bay, São Paulo, Brazil, over a 20‐year interval. Two 1‐year samplings were conducted: the 1st period (P1) ran from September 1995 to August 1996 and the 2nd period (P2) ran from September 2016 to August 2017. Samples were taken from five stations that differed in depth (5, 10, and 15 m) and location (exposed area and sheltered area), aboard a shrimp fishing boat. Over the 20‐year period, the percentage of fine sediment increased in all stations. In total, we captured 865 H. pudibundus individuals in the P1 and 4,222 in the P2. The higher abundance seen in the P2 may have been caused by the effects of an intense ENSO event in Ubatuba, as well as co‐occurring protective actions against fisheries activities in the region. The spatial distribution also changed after 20 years: In the P1, H. pudibundus were more concentrated in the 15 m station and exposed area, but they shifted to the sheltered area in the P2. This change may be related to the increase of fine sediments in this area, and to the fact that it is naturally protected from fisheries. According to the correspondence analysis, the abundance of males and juveniles was correlated with spring and winter, respectively. In the P1, females were more abundant in spring, whereas in the P2 they were more abundant in summer, which may be explained by a higher nutrient availability to the larvae in the summer of the P2. Our comparisons over the 20‐year interval revealed that the spatio‐temporal distribution of H. pudibundus has changed and that the population is well established in Ubatuba Bay.

Biomarkers of homeostasis, allostasis, and allostatic overload in decapod crustaceans of distinct habitats and osmoregulatory strategies: an empirical approach

The term "allostasis", meaning the assumption that homeostasis may not be as static as the term implies, has been vastly employed for mammals, and other vertebrates, for which the degree of internal stability is maximal, according to their higher complexity. We have here investigated how these states of homeostasis, allostasis, and allostatic overload could be diagnosed in decapod crustaceans, upon acute salinity challenges. Decapods of distinct lineages and habitats have been submitted to 3 salinity levels for 6 and 12 h. The first salinity was the habitat salinity (control), considered as the one that allows the homeostatic condition. The next salinity represented a mild challenge, that would potentially lead to allostasis, and the third salinity was intended to represent an overload, albeit not lethal. Species used were: the marine crab Hepatus pudibundus (Hp, osmoconformer, salinities 33, 25, and 20‰), the marine/estuarine swimming crab Callinectes danae (Cd, weak regulator, salinities 30, 20, and 10‰), and the diadromous freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus (Ma, strong regulator, salinities <0.5, 15, and 30‰). These 3 species follow a sequence of growing regulatory capacity (Hp<Cd<Ma), and euryhalinity (Hp<Ma<Cd). The biomarker of allostatic overload in Hp was the dramatic build-up of hemolymph lactate in 10‰; Cd was so euryhaline that had its homeostasis barely disturbed by the treatments, and the overload biomarker for Ma was low reduced muscle hydration in 30‰. The concept of allostasis can be successfully applied to comparative osmoregulation of decapods, with potential implications in areas of applied physiology such as aquaculture.

A 20-year gap evaluation of the population biology of the crab Hepatus pudibundus in an area overexploited by fisheries

The investigation of the temporal dynamics of marine benthonic populations is an important tool to evaluate whether and how they are responding to environmental changes. Here we compared the population biology and reproduction of Hepatus pudibundus in Ubatuba Bay after a 20-year gap. The first samplings were done in September 1995 − August 1996 (hereafter 1ºP), and the second, in September 2016 − August 2017 (hereafter 2ºP). In both periods, five sites were trawled aboard a shrimp fishing boat. We captured 865 crabs in the 1ºP and 4222 in the 2ºP. The mean individual size of each demographic group, the size at the onset of sexual maturity, and the growth rate of females was lower in the 2ºP. The reproductive and recruitment periods were continuous. Our comparable data on population features taken 20-years apart showed adjustments regarding the sizes and abundance of mature individuals of H. pudibundus of Ubatuba Bay, indicating that this species is resilient to the anthropogenic impacts in the region.

Diversity of decapod crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura) in two islands of Ubatuba, southeast of Brazil

This is the first comparative study of the alpha and beta diversity of crabs from soft bottom areas nearby two coastal islands (Couves and Mar Virado Islands). Crabs were captured monthly from January 1998 to December 1999. The samplings were carried out with a shrimp fishery boat provided with double-rig nets within a marine protected area in Ubatuba off the north coast of Sao Paulo. The ecological indexes of diversity (H′), equitability (J′) and β-diversity were used to compare the variation in diversity between islands and years. In total, we captured 2221 brachyurans (570 in Couves and 1651 in Mar Virado), belonging to 42 species, 28 genera, and 13 families. Twenty species occurred in both islands, ten occurred only in Couves, and 12 were exclusive of Mar Virado. The three most abundant species were Callinectes ornatus, Hexapanopeus paulensis, and Hepatus pudibundus. There were statistical differences in equitability (between islands in the year of 1998) and abundance (among seasons in the autumn of 1999) (p < 0.05). Although the two islands are geographically close to each other, they have distinct environmental features. Couves Island, for instance, is more affected by the water masses reaching Ubatuba than Mar Virado Island. These characteristics are probably driving the community composition of these islands.

Population structure of Hepatus pudibundus (Decapoda: Aethridae) off the coast of Sergipe State, northeastern Brazil

Population structure of Hepatus pudibundus (Decapoda: Aethridae) off the coast of Sergipe State, northeastern Brazil

The different depths gradients may affect the reproductive dynamics of Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Decapoda: Aethridae) in the southeastern region of Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatio-temporal variation and influence of environmental factors on the reproduction of H. pudibundus, and to estimate the size at the onset of sexual maturity (CW50). Samples were taken monthly from January to December 2000 in nine transects ranging from 2 to 40 m of depth. Bottom temperature, salinity, and sediment texture were recorded at each transect. Crabs were separated according to sex, measured (carapace width; CW), and classified according to their gonadal development stage. In total, 1808 individuals were captured: 498 males, 1039 non-ovigerous females, 173 ovigerous females, and 98 juveniles (males and females). The average size at the onset of sexual maturity of males and females was similar, 32.1 mm and 32.0 mm, respectively. This was unexpected since larger males have an advantage in competitions for females and during intraspecific interactions. Reproduction occurred continuously year-round, with peaks in summer and spring. These peaks might be caused by a higher food availability during this period, which could provide better survival conditions for the larvae. Reproductive females were more abundant at depths of 10–25 and 40 m, probably due to their migratory behavior that facilitates larvae dispersal and survival.

Decapod abundance and species richness in the bycatch of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) fishery, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil

Abstract We aimed to analyze the crustacean bycatch from the Xiphopenaeus kroyeri fishery in the Santa Catarina State and compare the bycatch’s biomass to that of the target species. Shrimp and environmental factors were sampled monthly from July 2010 through June 2011. For each crustacean species, we calculated the number of individuals, the relative abundance and the occurrence frequency. The relative abundance was classified as very abundant (Va), abundant (Ab) or low abundance (La), while the occurrence frequency was labeled continuous (Co), accessory (Ac) or accidental (Ad). We observed a total richness of 28 species, which is considered high for a subtropical region. Brachyura was the most frequent taxon (74%) followed by Penaeiodea (18%). Five species were considered Va (Arenaeus cribrarius, Callinectes danae, C. ornatus, Isochelis sawayai and Pleoticus muelleri), and eight species were considered Co (A. cribrarius, C. danae, C. ornatus, Farfantepenaeus paulensis, Hepatus pudibundus, Libinia spinosa, Litopenaeus schmitti and Sicyonia dorsalis), suggesting that the studied environment is heterogeneous and provides a variety of microhabitats, enabling many species to coexist. Therefore, the high species richness observed demonstrates the ecological importance of this region and thus the necessity of strategies aiming to minimize the impacts caused by trawling fisheries.

Influence of environmental factors on the bathymetric distribution of the flecked box crab Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Crustacea: Aethroidea) in the Southeastern Brazilian coast

Abstract: This study evaluated the relationships between environmental factors and the spatio-temporal distribution of H. pudibundus, with the hypothesis of differential occupation in coastal areas of southeastern Brazil. The samplings took place monthly in January-December 2000 period, along nine transects from 2 to 40 m of depth, in Ubatuba region, northern coast of São Paulo. We collected 1808 individuals of H. pudibundus. The highest abundance was recorded in winter in the transects 10-25 m deep. Abundance was positively correlated with organic matter content and texture sediment (phi values). With the retreat of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in autumn and winter, the sediment swirls, suspending the detritivore and filter-feeding macrofauna, increasing the food availability. Sites characterized by finer sediment offer higher food availability, besides facilitating H. pudibundus burying behavior. Due to its opportunistic predatory behavior, this species feeds on a variety of organisms, including mollusks, annelids and foraminifera, which are preys more abundant in the studied area and in sediments of finer grain size.

Distribution and population structure of the flecked box crab Hepatus pudibundus (Decapoda, Brachyura) in the western South Atlantic

The crab Hepatus pudibundus is an abundant species, part of the crustacean fauna caught as by-catch in the shrimp fishery off the Brazilian coast. This study investigated its distribution and population structure relative to measured environmental factors, sex ratio and juvenile recruitment of the species in sheltered and exposed areas in each of three bays on the northern coast of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The crabs, along with water and sediment samples, were collected monthly from January 1998 through December 1999. A total of 8674 individuals were captured, 33.2% from Ubatumirim, 31.1% from Ubatuba and 35.7% from Mar Virado. Individuals were more numerous in the exposed areas and during the summer months. Only some of the environmental factors analysed showed any significant influence on the abundance of crabs. Of the total of crabs collected, 6239 were females (490 juveniles, 5031 adult females and 718 ovigerous females) and 2435 males (343 juveniles and 2092 adults). Females were smaller than males and more abundant in all areas. Although non-normal, the distribution of H. pudibundus can be considered stable in all three bays, as juveniles (indicating continuous recruitment) and adults of both sexes were present in most months and transects sampled.

Reproductive biology of Hepatus pudibundus (Crustacea: Brachyura), the most abundant crab on the southeastern Brazilian coast

This study analyzed the size at sexual maturity and reproductive period of populations of Hepatus pudibundus in three bays on the northern coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Crabs were collected monthly and the bottom-water temperature was measured at each collection point. The animals were sexed, measured for carapace width (CW), and their gonadal stages were determined. A total of 8,674 specimens were collected (2,435 males and 6,239 females). Adult males showed the highest mean CW; the size at maturity for both sexes was 32.5 mm CW. Reproduction was continuous and peaked in spring and summer, because of the greater availability of plankton food for the larvae. This pattern is typical in tropical and subtropical regions, unlike the seasonal reproduction found in temperate regions. Reproductive activity of females was not significantly correlated with bottom-water temperatures. Immatures and individuals in all stages of gonadal development were found throughout the sampling period and at all depths, probably because the species completes its entire reproductive cycle in that area.

Epibiosis in decapod crustaceans by stalked barnacle Octolasmis lowei (Cirripedia: Poecilasmatidae)

Stalked barnacles Octolasmis lowei Darwin, 1851 are frequently found attached to decapod crustaceans. Their epibiotic association depends on many factors, which are mainly related to characteristics of the host's biology. This study evaluated the infestation and distribution of stalked barnacles in the branchial chambers of crabs, and analyzed the data with respect to the host's sex, maturity stage, molt cycle and size. The crab species Arenaeus cribrarius Lamarck, 1818, Callinectes danae Smith, 1869, Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863, Hepatus pudibundus Herbst, 1785, Libinia ferreirae Brito Capello, 1871, and Persephona punctata Linnaeus, 1758 were sampled and found to be infested by O. lowei. No juvenile crabs were infested. The prevalence of infestation by O. lowei was significantly different among C. danae, C. ornatus, and H. pudibundus males and females. All infested hosts were in the intermolt period. The mean size of infested crabs was larger than that observed for non-infested individuals. Internally, stalked barnacles were concentrated on the central gills or walls and floor of branchial chambers, suggesting that these gills provide more favorable conditions for the settlement and development of these epibionts. These results highlight the relationship between epibiont infestation and host biology, as well as the role of decapod crustaceans as a suitable substrate for the development of stalked barnacle O. lowei.

Regulation of Muscle Hydration Upon Hypo‐ or Hyper‐Osmotic Shocks: Differences Related to Invasion of the Freshwater Habitat by Decapod Crustaceans

Decapod crustaceans have independently invaded freshwater habitats from the sea/estuaries. Tissue hydration mechanisms are necessary for the initial stages of habitat transitions but can be expected to diminish, as the capacity for extracellular homeostasis increases in hololimnetic species. Six decapod species have been compared concerning the maintenance of muscle hydration in vitro: Hepatus pudibundus (marine); Palaemon pandaliformis (estuarine resident), Macrobrachium acanthurus (freshwater diadromous), and the three hololimnetic Macrobrachium potiuna, Dilocarcinus pagei, and Aegla parana. The effects of inhibitors of potassium channels (barium chloride) and NKCC (furosemide) were evaluated under isosmotic, and respectively hypo- (50% below iso) or hyper- (50% above iso) conditions. There was high muscle hydration control in H. pudibundus with a possible role of NKCC in isosmotic conditions. Shrimps consistently showed small deviations in muscle hydration under anisosmotic conditions; P. pandaliformis has shown evidence of the presence of NKCC; M. potiuna was the species less affected by both inhibitors, under iso- or anisosmotic conditions. In the two hololimnetic crab species, both independent long-time inhabitants of freshwater, while the capacity to deal with hyper-osmotic shock is decreased, the capacity to deal with hyposmotic shock is retained, possibly because of hemolymph dilution during molting in fresh water. D. pagei apparently depends on potassium channels for volume recovery after swelling, whereas A. parana shows some dependence on NKCC to minimize volume loss in hyper-osmotic conditions. Although no molecular screening techniques have been tried here, data point to distinct cell/tissue transport mechanisms acting upon hydration/volume challenges in decapods of different habitats and lineages.

Lead hampers gill cell volume regulation in marine crabs: Stronger effect in a weak osmoregulator than in an osmoconformer

Hepatus pudibundus is a strictly marine osmoconformer crab, while Callinectes ornatus inhabits estuarine areas, behaving as a weak hyper-osmoregulator in diluted seawater. Osmoconformers are expected to have higher capacity for cell volume regulation, but gill cells of a regulator are expected to display ion transporters to a higher degree. The influence of lead nitrate (10 μM) on the ability of isolated gill cells from both species to volume regulate under isosmotic and hyposmotic conditions were here evaluated. Without lead, under a 25% hyposmotic shock, the gill cells of both species were quite capable of cell volume maintenance. Cells of C. ornatus, however, had a little swelling (5%) during the hyposmotic shock of greater intensity (50%), while cells of H. pudibundus were still capable of volume regulation. In the presence of lead, even under isosmoticity, the gill cells of both species showed about 10% volume reduction, indicating that lead promotes the loss of water by the cells. When lead was associated with 25% and 50% hyposmotic shock, C. ornatus cells lost more volume (15%), when compared to isosmotic conditions, while H. pudibundus cells showed volume regulation. We then analyzed the possible ways of action of lead on the mechanisms of cell volume regulation in the two species. Verapamil (100 μM) was used to inhibit Ca 2+ channels, ouabain (100 μM) to inhibit Na +/K +-ATPase, and HgCl 2 (100 μM) to inhibit aquaporins. Our results suggest that: (1) Ca 2+ channels are candidates for lead entry into gill cells of H. pudibundus and C. ornatus, being the target of lead action in these cells; (2) aquaporins are much more relevant for water flux in H. pudibundus; and (3) the Na +/K +-ATPase is much more relevant for volume regulation in C. ornatus. Osmoregulators may be more susceptible to metal contamination than osmoconformers, especially in situations of reduced salinity, for two basic reasons: (1) lower capacity of volume regulation and (2) putative higher uptake of Pb 2+ through ionic pathways that operate in salt absorption, such as, for example, the Na +/K +-ATPase.

Estrutura populacional do siri-baú, Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst 1785) no Norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Sudeste do Brasil

O presente estudo descreve as primeiras informações sobre a estrutura populacional do siri-baú, Hepatus pudibundus, na costa Norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (21° 30' e 21° 50' S). Entre abril de 2006 e março de 2007 foram realizadas coletas mensais (n = 12) com rede de arrasto de fundo em embarcações da pesca camaroneira local. Os espécimes foram classificados quanto ao sexo e maturidade, medidos e pesados. No total, foram capturados 523 indivíduos de H. pudibundus: 299 (57,2%) machos e 224 (42,8%) fêmeas. De modo geral, a razão sexual na população se manteve estável ao longo do período de estudo, com ligeiro predomínio de machos. Os espécimes adultos foram mais numerosos do que os juvenis. Os machos foram maiores e mais pesados que as fêmeas, com médias da largura da carapaça de 46,8 ± 9,1 mm e peso de 23,4 ± 13,2 g, em comparação com 45,3 ± 6,6 mm e 18,8 ± 7,9 g para as fêmeas. As relações entre peso e largura da carapaça foram ajustadas pelas equações P = 0,0002.LC I3,0391 (R2 = 0,97) (machos) e P = 0,0003.LC I2,8734 (R2 = 0,94) (fêmeas). A espécie H. pudibundus tem pouca representatividade na pesca camaroneira regional, mas o presente estudo indica sua ocorrência regular em associação às águas costeiras do Norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Brachyuran soft-bottom assemblage from marine shallow waters in the southeastern Brazilian littoral

The present investigation examined the assemblages of brachyuran crabs in three bays of southeastern Sao Paulo State, analyzing the numbers of species and individuals, biomass, and diversity. The crabs were collected monthly in Ubatumirim, Ubatuba, and Mar Virado bays in the Ubatuba region over 2 years (1998 and 1999). In each bay, six tows were made from a fishing boat. A total of 39,820 specimens, representing 11 super families, 39 genera, and 65 species of brachyurans, were obtained. The mean number of specimens and biomass varied seasonally, which can be mainly related with the population tendencies of two dominant species in the area (Callinectes ornatus and Hepatus pudibundus). The highest numbers of individuals and species were found in Ubatuba Bay, followed by Ubatumirim and Mar Virado. The highest diversity index was estimated for Ubatumirim (H′ = 2.44), followed by Ubatuba (H′ = 2.37) and Mar Virado (H′ = 1.86). In general, the coastal region supported high abundance and species richness concerning brachyurans, with high diversity indices, probably because of its more-heterogeneous substrate, which may afford more refuges for certain species. These results suggested that environmental conditions in this area, although they showed certain differences, are favorable for the establishment and development of a diverse brachyuran guild.