Mud Shrimp Research Articles

Carbon Reduction Associated with Sediment Reworking through Burrows of the Thalassinid Mud Shrimp Laomedia sp. (Crustacea: Laomediidae) from Korean Intertidal Sediments

This study evaluated the biotic and abiotic factors influencing the sediment reworking rate (SRR) of Laomedia sp. through in situ measurements and assessed the organic carbon reduction by comparing carbon concentrations between particles collected from the water column and reworked sediments. The SRR was significantly correlated with the duration of submergence at high elevation, whereas it showed a stronger correlation with mound height than with the duration of submergence at low elevation. The organic carbon content of suspended particles was reduced by 68% by the sediment reworking of Laomedia sp., with a mean organic carbon reduction of 0.01 gC ind.−1 d−1. This reduction resulted from particle selection by the inhabitant and by accumulation along the burrow walls. The estimated annual organic carbon reduction associated with the sediment reworking was 12.8 gC m−2 yr−1. The transport of organic carbon from the burrows into the water column was comparatively high relative to other species. These findings suggest that Laomedia sp. plays a significant role in enhancing the carbon cycle as an important bioturbator, with its burrows acting as carbon sinks by trapping organic carbon in intertidal sediments. Therefore, bioturbation by macroinvertebrates should be considered when evaluating carbon sequestration in intertidal sediments.

Burrow Opening Measurements of Intertidal Macroinvertebrates from Optical Drone Images

Intertidal macroinvertebrates, such as crabs and mud shrimps, are invertebrates inhabiting the intertidal zone that are sufficiently large to be identified with the naked eye. Most intertidal macroinvertebrates typically construct burrows of various shapes in sediment to protect themselves from environmental extremes, with surface openings that reflect features of their species and body size. Especially circular burrow openings correlate with an organism’s body size; thus, measuring these openings can provide estimates of the organism’s size, weight, growth rate, and biomass. Traditional studies of these organisms have relied on field surveys, which are constrained by time, cost, and logistical limitations. This study introduces an innovative method for measuring the burrow opening diameters of intertidal macroinvertebrates using high-resolution optical images from a portable drone system. By leveraging the reflectance disparity between the sediment and burrow openings, this method facilitates the extraction and sizing of burrow openings. Our methodology was applied to three crab species known for their circular burrow opening: the red-clawed fiddler, the milky fiddler, and the ghost crab. Validation was confirmed through field data from the Mageumri and Sinduri tidal flats, South Korea. The method achieved a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.94 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.68 mm across a diameter range of 6.21–33.59 mm. These findings suggest the potential of drone remote sensing systems as a non-invasive and efficacious approach for quantifying burrow sizes over extensive intertidal areas, thereby facilitating more accurate biomass estimations and surmounting the limitations of conventional field surveys. Future research could extend this method to additional species and further refine its precision.

Population Characteristics of the Mud Shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) on Korean Tidal Flats in the Eastern Yellow Sea

The population parameters of the ecologically important mud shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) were analyzed from 2012 to 2015 in tidal flats in Seonjaedo and Jugyo on the west coast of Korea. The shrimp density averaged 265/m2 in Seonjaedo and 118/m2 in Jugyo. The sex ratio varied monthly, often male-biased, and, by size, males were significantly dominant, with a carapace length (CL) over 30 mm. Although the shrimp settled almost annually, only a single size-group was observed from 2012 to 2014. The recruitment in Jugyo in 2014 was notably successful, resulting in two cohorts persisting until 2015. Many shrimp were parasitized at varying local rates: 6.0% in Seonjaedo and 37.1% in Jugyo. The growth curves revealed that the shrimp grew annually after settlement, reaching CLs of 11.90, 18.24, and 23.02 mm in Seonjaedo and 13.73, 20.86, and 25.82 mm in Jugyo. Annual mortality was 77.2% in Seonjaedo and 67.4% in Jugyo. The estimated lifespan (tmax) was 10 years in Seonjaedo and 8 years in Jugyo, whereas the 2010 cohort in Jugyo largely disappeared in 5 years. Ovigerous females appeared from November to June and benthic juveniles between June and September. The shrimps’ growth was slower relative to other East Asian populations, likely due to colder sea water temperatures and altered food conditions from a higher shrimp density.

Phylogeography and genetic diversity of the Japanese mud shrimp Upogebiamajor (Crustacea, Decapoda, Upogebiidae): Natural or anthropogenic dispersal?

Upogebiamajor (De Haan, 1841) is known for forming huge burrows in sandy, intertidal areas that can extend to depths of over 2 m. Despite its widespread distribution in East Asia and Russia, the genetic relatedness of its regional populations remains uncertain, likely owing to difficulties in specimen collection. Therefore, to appraise the phylogeographic patterns, genetic diversity, and morphological variety of U.major, the mitochondrial DNA of specimens collected from Japan, Korea and China were subjected to molecular phylogenetic analyses of COI genes, alongside morphological assessment. As a result, we discovered four principal groups; of these, Group 1 consisted predominantly of Japanese specimens, while Groups 3 and 4 were interpreted as having originated from the continent. Group 2 exhibited genetic segregation from both continental and Japanese descent. Group 1 mostly comprising Japanese specimens implies that the planktonic larvae of U.major were disseminated north and south by ocean currents encompassing the Japanese archipelago. In contrast, individuals probably originating from the continent were discovered in Lake Notoro, Hokkaido and Matsukawa-ura, Fukushima in northeastern Japan, indicating possible introduction from the continent through ocean currents or unintentional introduction with other organisms imported. Additionally, one of the specimens collected from Matsukawa-ura exhibited significant genetic and morphological differences from other specimens, suggesting the possibility of being a subspecies. The outcomes of this study not only offer valuable insights into the origins of distribution of U.major but also introduce a novel challenge of assessing the coexistence of two routes: natural and anthropogenic dispersion.

A new species of the mud shrimp genus Naushonia Kingsley, 1897 (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Laomediidae) from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan, inhabiting burrows of an axiidean shrimp.

A new species of the laomediid mud shrimp genus Naushonia Kingsley, 1897 is described and illustrated based on seven specimens collected from Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. All specimens of Naushonia karashimai n. sp. were collected from burrows of a large axiidean shrimp, Neaxius acanthus (A. Milne-Edwards, 1879), which inhabits seagrass beds in inner reef lagoons. The new species is easily distinguished from all 16 known congeners by its tridentate rostrum and relatively narrow pereopod 1 palm with a proximally located pollex. Sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI genes were newly generated for five species and two species of Naushonia, including the new species, respectively. Preliminary phylogenetic analysis using sequences of the 16S rRNA gene was performed.

Some biological aspects of Mediterranean mud shrimp, Upogebia pusilla (Petagna, 1792) in the Boka Kotorska Bay, Southeastern Adriatic Sea

Biological aspects (length frequency distribution, length-weight ratio, sex ratio, allometric growth, Fulton?s condition factor) of Upogebia pusilla were studied in Tivat Saline (Tivatska solila), Boka Kotorska Bay in 2019. A total of 1,415 individuals were collected. The total length of all studied individuals ranged from 27 to 55 mm (8 and 20 mm CL), while the total weights ranged from 0.29 to 2.56 g (the total length of males ranged from 27 to 51 mm, non-ovigerous and ovigerous females ranged from 27 to 51 mm and 30 to 55 mm, respectively; the weights ranged from 0.29 to 2.52 g, 0.34 to 2.52 g and 0.47 to 2.56 g for males, non-ovigerous and ovoid females, respectively). The overall female:male ratio was 1.2:1. Ovigerous females were recorded from April (74.3%) to June (23.8%), with a peak in May (91.4% of all females). Males dominated in July (66.4%). The relationship between CL and W was negatively allometric in both males and females and in all sampled individuals. Fulton?s condition factor was higher only in females during the breeding season, while there were no significant differences between males and females during the rest of the year. Since this species is mainly used as live bait for commercial and sports fishermen, the results of this study would be useful for the sustainable management of this species.

Life history characteristics and burrow structure of the mud shrimp (Decapoda: Upogebiidae)

Life history characteristics and burrow structure of the mud shrimp (Decapoda: Upogebiidae)

Development and characterization of 177 SNP markers in the mud shrimp Upogebia major

The mud shrimp Upogebia major (Crustacea, Decapoda, Gebiidea) (De Haan, 1841) is an ecological keystone species widely distributed in waters. It has contributed significantly to the maintenance of coastal benthic biodiversity as an ecosystem engineer. However, there is still a lack of effective molecular markers to effectively protect and manage this species. In this study, we used the DNeasy Blood & Tissue kit to extract DNA and Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing technology to obtain the SNP marker resources. A total of 177 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed and characterized in U. major. The minor allele frequency ranged from 0.0500 to 0.5000. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.0333 to 0.9000 and from 0.0966 to 0.5085, respectively. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.0905 to 0.3750. The inbreeding coefficient values varied from − 0.2902 to 0.5968. Seventeen loci showed significant deviations from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). These polymorphic SNP markers will be helpful for the analysis of population genetic structure and the conservation of U. major.

Co-infesting symbionts on a threatened marine host: evaluating correlations between an introduced parasitic isopod and a native symbiotic clam

In marine ecosystems, increased global-scale transportation creates opportunities for rapid introduction of invasive parasitic species that, in some cases, result in dramatic shifts within the native communities. A lack of detailed knowledge regarding the ecology of invasive marine parasites hinders our ability to develop effective conservation strategies and avoid unforeseen ecological consequences. We examined co-infestation patterns of a highly pathogenic, introduced parasitic isopod (Orthione griffenis) and a native symbiotic clam (Neaeromya rugifera) on the North American native blue mud shrimp Upogebia pugettensis. Our comparisons included infestations of O. griffenis and N. rugifera among 447 U. pugettensis hosts over 3 study years and were designed to statistically assess whether the 2 symbionts exhibited significant associations with one another. Our results indicate that infestations by the 2 symbiont species are positively correlated, such that the presence of one symbiont is a strong, positive predictor for the presence of the other. For both symbionts, host size is an important factor that drives the observed correlation. Host sex is also influential for O. griffenis. Interestingly, even after accounting for these host attributes, the infestations by the 2 symbionts continue to correlate positively, particularly among older (second-year and beyond) symbionts, highlighting the likely influence of additional host and environmental factors in driving the symbiont correlation post-settlement. We consider potential mechanisms, including differential energetic reserves and longevities between infested and co-infested hosts, in detail. These results offer insights into the ecological drivers of symbiont co-infestation, which have important implications for understanding host-parasite interactions and future conservation measures.

Influence of deproteinization and demineralization process sequences on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of chitin isolated from Deep-sea mud shrimp (Solenocera hextii)

Isolation of chitin from shrimp shell waste using chemical process is a well-adopted industrial practice due to its short process time and efficiency in removing both minerals and proteins from the shell. This study aims to compare the physicochemical, functional, and structural characteristics of chitin obtained from Deep-sea mud shrimp shells using two chemical process sequences: (i) initial deproteinization followed by demineralization (DPM) and (ii) initial demineralization followed by deproteinization (DMP). Characteristics of the extracted chitin, namely degree of acetylation, whiteness index, purity, crystallinity index and surface morphology were evaluated and compared with those of commercial chitin. The high levels of deproteinization and demineralization observed for both DPM and DMP processes suggest the effectiveness of the processes. The Mw of 436.59 ± 1.00 kDa, DA of 81.56 ± 1.10% and WI of 71.39 ± 0.72 for chitin prepared by DMP were higher than those of chitin prepared by DPM, which had Mw of 429.34 ± 1.21 kDa, DA of 75.91 ± 0.99% and WI of 45.03 ± 1.39. The CrI values for DPM and DMP chitins were 68.7% and 72%, respectively. SEM analysis revealed a microfibrillar structure with porosity for the isolated chitin.

Biocoenotic and habitat ordination of mud shrimp Upogebia pusilla Petagna, 1792 (Crustacea: Decapoda) settlements on the northern part of the Black Sea shelf (Crimean coast)

Biocoenotic and habitat ordination of mud shrimp Upogebia pusilla Petagna, 1792 (Crustacea: Decapoda) settlements on the northern part of the Black Sea shelf (Crimean coast)

The Sediment Reworking of the Mud Shrimp Laomedia sp. (Crustacea: Laomediidae) with Tidal Conditions in the Intertidal Sediments of Gomso Bay, Korea

Although the thalassinidean mud shrimp Laomedia sp. is one of the most abundant species in the upper tidal flats along the west coast of Korea, little is known of its ecological characteristics and bioturbation effects on intertidal sediments. This study estimated the sediment reworking rate (SRR) of Laomedia sp. by quantifying in situ sediments ejected from the burrows via direct entrapment and evaluated the effects of tidal conditions on the SRR. The amount of expelled sediments from individual burrows was significantly related to the duration of submergence, whereas SRR showed an increasing trend as elevation increased. The SRR of Laomedia sp. was estimated to be 40 g ind.−1 d−1 and the annual SRR of this species was 72.2 kg m−2 yr−1 based on the density in the study area, which is very high compared to other thalassinidean shrimp. These findings suggest that Laomedia sp. is an important bioturbator in intertidal sediments, and tidal conditions should be considered when evaluating the SRR of this species.

Sex change and reproductive output of the protandric shrimp Merguia rhizophorae (Rathbun, 1900) (Decapoda, Merguiidae)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to confirm the type of protandry adopted by M. rhizophorae and to describe the size at which sex change occurs in order to test predictions of sex allocation theory. The reproductive output also was investigated, based on fecundity and embryo volume. Specimens were collected cohabiting burrows built by mud shrimps Upogebia omissa in an estuary region in the northeast of Brazil. The body size (carapace length, CL) and sex of the shrimps were recorded. Observations were made developmental stages of the embryos, fecundity, and embryo volume. A total of 204 M. rhizophorae individuals was sampled, of which 170 (83.3%) male phase (MP) and 34 (16.7%) female phase (FP) individuals. The body size (mean ± SD) of the individuals in the MP was smaller than in the FP: 3.91 ± 0.78 and 6.18 ± 0.52 mm CL, respectively. The size at which 50% of the shrimps changed to FP (CL50) was 5.62 ± 0.01 mm CL. Reproductive output (fecundity and embryo volume) increased linearly with shrimp body size. An increase in embryo size during development and the loss of embryos during final stage of development were recorded. In this study, the behaviour exhibited by M. rhizophorae (share a burrow with another shrimp species) was recorded for the first time, expanding knowledge about the ecology of this semi-terrestrial shrimp. Our results indicate the adoption of strict protandric hermaphroditism by M. rhizophorae. Our study supports the prediction of sex allocation theory that sex ratio is significantly biased towards the first-sex in sequential hermaphrodites. We also found evidence of possible trade-offs between the size in which the sex change occurs and the reproductive strategy exhibited by M. rhizophorae.

Deep-sea mud shrimp and shovel-nosed lobster from the Arabian Sea as prospective sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acid profile of deep-sea mud shrimp (Solenocera hextii) and shovel-nosed lobsters (Thenus unimaculatus) harvested from south-west coast (Arabian Sea) of India were evaluated and compared. Palmitic and oleic acids were the principle saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively in lobster and shrimp species. T. unimaculatus contained greater concentrations of C20-22 n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Higher n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio (greater than 4) in addition to considerably greater polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (&gt;1.2) and hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (&gt;2) were recorded in shovel-nosed lobster compared to the mud shrimp. Lesser thrombogenicity (≤0.5) and atherogenicity (&lt;1.0) indices recognised T. unimaculatus as a desirable marine species for human nutrition. Keywords: Atherogenicity index, Deep-sea mud shrimp, C20-22 n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, Thrombogenicity index, Shovel-nosed lobster

Burrowing mud shrimps (Decapoda: Axiidea amp; Gebiidea) of the northeastern Black Sea and their external parasites.

The article presents a brief review on the fauna of the axiidean and gebiidean burrowing mud shrimps and their external parasites in the northeastern coast of the Black Sea, where only two rather common species, Gilvossius candidus (Olivi, 1792) and Upogebia pusilla (Petagna, 1792) (Gebiidea: Upogebiidae), were previously recorded. Necallianassa truncata (Giard Bonnier, 1890) is confirmed and Gilvossius tyrrhenus (Petagna, 1792) (Axiidea: Callianassidae) is firstly recorded for the shallow waters of the northeastern Black Sea, where it was previously probably confused with common and widely distributed Gilvossius candidus (Olivi, 1792). Color photographs of the four species, enhancing the recognition of those species in fields, are provided.

Catching performance and catching efficiency of siliconized baits in hand line fishery

The present study investigated the catching performance and catching efficiency of natural mud shrimp (alive) (Upogebia pusilla), siliconized mud shrimp and siliconized pellet in handline fishing. The trials were performed in Kıyıkışlacık Village of Muğla province. The main body of the handline is Ø 0.50 mm, leader and snood are Ø 0.27-0.30 mm, the snood length and distance are 10 cm and 20 cm, respectively. Each handline has 3 hooks and the hook type is 4 no straight. Catches from natural mud shrimp, siliconized shrimp and siliconized pellet bait retained separately, sorted by species and weighed as. 0.01 g sensitivity and measured as the total length. Totally 590 individuals from 30 different species in total were caught including; 28 bony fish (93.33%), and 2 cephalopods (0.66%). While natural mud shrimp captured the 50.7% of fish, 44.7% and 4.6% were caught with siliconized mud shrimp and siliconized pellet, respectively. CPUE values of natural mud shrimp, siliconized shrimp and silicon pellet were calculated as 1.57 n/h, 1.38 n/h and 0.14 n/h, respectively. In addition, YPUE values were determined as 121.84 g/h, 137.73 g/h and 7.62 g/h for natural mud shrimp, siliconized shrimp and silicon pellet, respectively. Despite the fact that the number of individuals that a live mud shrimp catch in a unit of time is high, it was found out that the weight is more in a unit of time when silicone mud shrimp is used. It was concluded that using of siliconized mud shrimp has a high capacity of catching performance and catching efficiency and can be used as bait when natural mud shrimp cannot be utilized as alive or unable to be supplied, due to the weather conditions and time restrictions.

Improving marine protected area with coordination platform: Mud shrimp conservation in Taiwan case study

Marine protected areas (MPAs) exist worldwide to alleviate the gap between human development and conserving nature, history/culture heritage, and resources. In Taiwan, most of MPAs were established as aquatic organism and fishery resource conservation zones (FCZs), such as mud shrimp (Austinogebia edulis) protection since 2006, which we used as a study case. However, comprehensive review has yet conducted to determine whether management objectives are being achieved. We therefore examined the FCZs management effectiveness by conducting a 4 year (2017–2020) field survey of mud shrimp density in the tidal flat and MPA institution in Taiwan. The mud shrimp density obtained from both historical record in references and our observations was analyzed using geographic information systems to determine their spatial distribution within and around the designated FCZs. The results indicate that mud shrimp density is dominant outside the protected zones, which might be related to habitat changes over time. Moreover, the review of MPA governance in Taiwan indicated that FCZs management lack regular financial support and regular examination of management plan. An operational framework is suggested to improve the sustainable management of conservation zones decision-making that comprises four steps: (1) Partnerships with MPA commitment authorities and non-government organizations, specifically, regional fisheries associations; (2) plan regular financial support and fundraise; (3) conduct long-term monitoring programs; and (4) create a coordination platform with stakeholders to evaluate the management plan and/or induce necessary adjustments. This framework will enable users to create strategies that strengthen long-term monitoring and MPA operation maintaining socioeconomic linkages with stakeholders.

The spatio-temporal distribution of the Ponto-Caspian polychaete in the Lower Sector of the Danube River and in Danube Delta

Several Ponto-Caspian species, such as dreissenid and mud shrimp species have become massive invaders in freshwater ecosystems of Europe and North America. In order to understand the ability of other Ponto-Caspian groups to expand and invade other regions, their occurrence and adaptation within areas that can act as a vector need to be understood. Several Ponto-Caspian polychaete species might be capable to become invasive as well. Understanding their ecological tolerances and distribution dynamics in waterways that link them to other regions is therefore imperative to acknowledge their invasive potential. In this study we examine the distribution patterns of three PC polychaete species in the Danube River and delta area in order to assess whether the region might be a corridor for these species to spread into central Europe and beyond. The results revealed that the three studied species greatly vary in distribution and environmental tolerances, but that two of the three show ecological tolerances and distribution range extensions that make them potentially very invasive. Our study provides a baseline for further distribution studies of PC polychaetes and details their habitat requirements. The possibility that the two Ponto-Caspian polychaete species could use the Danube corridor to realise a massive range extension is new and raises several conservation concerns. It is imperative to understand invasive potential and distribution dynamics in order to prepare effective measurements to limit spread of potentially harmful species, such as Ponto-Caspian mussels, mud shrimps and in this case polychaete.

Consequences of chemical deacetylation on physicochemical, structural and functional characteristics of chitosan extracted from deep-sea mud shrimp

Extraction of chitosan from deep-sea mud shrimp (Solenocera hextii) shell waste was conducted using a chemical method by altering the deacetylation times. The degree of deacetylation of extracted chitosan were 75.5 ± 0.36, 85 ± 0.38 and 87± 0.32 %, and the molecular weights were 263.95±1.16, 52.61± 0.44, and 5.15± 0.14 kDa respectively for CH-1.5, CH-3, and CH-6. Deacetylation time significantly influenced the structure and physicochemical properties of chitosan. SEM results exposed smooth granular surface structure and XRD peaks obtained were identical with commercial chitosan. Deacetylation time for CH-3 was found optimum for commercial extraction of this natural biopolymer resource. Water binding and fat binding capacities of the extracted deep-sea mud shrimp chitosan were significantly higher than commercial chitosan from coastal shrimp and are suitable for many functional food applications.

A doubled down invasion of the northeast Pacific by the Asian mud shrimp, Upogebia major and its coevolved bopyrid isopod parasite, Orthione griffenis

A doubled down invasion of the northeast Pacific by the Asian mud shrimp, Upogebia major and its coevolved bopyrid isopod parasite, Orthione griffenis