Ecology of Mangrove Crabs: Predation, Physical Factors and Refuges
Wilson KA. 1989. Ecology of Mangrove Crabs: Predation, Physical Factors and Refuges. Bulletin of Marine Science. 44(1):263-273
This study established the relative importance and interactions of biological and physical factors as influences on microhabitat utilization of crabs in mangrove forests in Florida Bay (Everglades National Park). The four species of mangrove crab investigated include Aratus pisonii an arboral crab: Eurytium limosum, Sesarma curacaoense, and Uca thayeri live in burrows and holes on the mud surface. Field predation tethering experiments found a differential risk of predation among microhabitats and strong tidal and seasonal differences in predation rates. Species exhibited different responses to temperature and relative humidity in each microhabitat. Mangroves provide structural refuge from predation for crabs. It was determined that crabs must balance the constraints of physiological tolerances and the avoidance of predation in a system that has a seasonally variable risk of predation and environmental conditions. Study Period: 1982-1984; Study Type: Quantitative; Habitat: Tidal mangrove forest, mud flats; Number of Stations: 3; Gear Type: Fishing line, glue; Biological Component: Brachyuran crabs; Abiotic Parameters Measured: Air temp., relative humidity; Dominant Taxon/Taxa Studied: Euryrium limosum, Aratus pisionii, Sesarma curacaoense, Uca thayeri.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Wilson, Kim
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, broadback mud crab (Eurytium limosum), Ecosystems, Florida Bay Everglades National Park FL, Habitat Utilization, Lobsters & Crabs (Decapoda), Mangrove Communities, mangrove fiddler (Uca thayeri), mangrove marsh crab (Sesarma curacaoense), mangrove tree crab (Aratus pisonii), Physiology, Predation