Intraspecific distribution of fiddler crabs depending on the organic matter content of the sediment: a question of preference?

• Grant number: 14/00456-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2014
• End date: April 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Tânia Marcia Costa
• Grantee: Fernando Rafael de Grande
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB-CLP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista. São Vicente , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 15/10421-9 - Intraspecific distribution of fiddler crabs according to the content of organic matter in the sediment: a matter of preference?, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

One of the determining factors in the distribution of fiddler crabs (genus Uca) is the concentration of Organic Matter (OM) in the sediment of intertidal zones. However, the literature indicates an antagonism: although it is reported that, experimentally, the crabs of the same species, regardless of size, always prefer living or foraging in areas with a high content of organic matter, in their habitat is young individuals living in these areas. This work aims to study the intraspecific distribution of fiddler crabs depending on the content of Organic Matter (OM) of the sediment. This will be used as a model organism two species: U. thayeri and U. uruguayensis. Intraspecific distribution (size and sex) according to the content of O.M. in the sediment observed in the habitat of these crabs will be measured. In laboratory microcosms will be made which will be tested in the preference of U. uruguayensis of different sizes in different percentages (1% to 10%) of OM sediment. The crabs will be observed (Scan method) by noting the frequency of foraging and the number and location of burrows constructed at each concentration. It is expected that the crabs of different sizes show a distinct frequency foraging so that young crabs spend more time feeding, and hence smaller sizes of crabs build their homes in areas of high sediment content mode. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CARRETERO SANCHES, FABIO HENRIQUE. Organic matter affects fiddler crab distribution? Results from field and laboratorial trials. ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE, v. 212, p. 138-145, NOV 15 2018. (14/00456-7)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

GRANDE, Fernando Rafael de. Sediment organic contents influence the intra-specific distribution of fiddler crabs. 2016. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências. Botucatu Botucatu.