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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Ecological distribution of the hermit crab Dardanus insignis in shallow waters of the tropical-subtropical transition zone on the Brazilian coast

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Author(s):
Frameschi, Israel F. [1, 2] ; Andrade, Luciana S. [2, 3] ; Fransozo, Vivian [2, 4] ; Fernandes-Goes, Lissandra C. [2, 5] ; Furlan, Michele [1, 2] ; Fransozo, Adilson [1, 2]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, Campus Botucatu, Distrito de Rubiao Jr S-N, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, NEBECC Study Grp Crustacean Biol Ecol & Culture, Dept Zool, Inst Biociencias, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Triangulo Mineiro, Dept Zool & Fisiol Anim, Ctr, Campus Iturama, Ave Rio Paranaiba 1241, BR-38280000 Iturama, MG - Brazil
[4] Univ Estadual Sudoeste Bahia, Dept Ciencias Nat, Estrada Bem Querer, Km 04, BR-45031900 Vitoria Da Conquista, BA - Brazil
[5] Univ Estadual Piaui, Av Nossa Senhora Fatima S-N, BR-64202220 Parnaiba, PI - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: MARINE BIODIVERSITY; v. 46, n. 2, p. 389-397, JUN 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Dardanus insignis is the most abundant hermit crab on sublittoral of soft bottoms along the southeastern coast of Brazil. It is among the Decapoda species that structure the macrobenthic community, from shallow regions to deeper areas up to 100 m. This study evaluated the distribution of D. insignis in a tropical-subtropical transition zone. In three bays (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba and Mar Virado), sampling was conducted monthly for two years, on four transects parallel to the coastline (at depths of 5, 10, 15, and 20 m), as well as one transect sheltered from wave action, and another in a more exposed area. Environmental variables were monitored in each sampling. The size fractions of coarse, medium and fine sand showed a positive correlation with the distribution of demographic groups on transects 15 and 20 m deep. On the other hand, the mean grain size (Phi) and silt+clay are negatively correlated with the distribution of the species. Adult males and females showed no environmental-specific relationship similar to the juveniles, and ovigerous females were negatively correlated by the bottom temperature. These results reveal that D. insignis is found in greater abundance on transects farther from the coastline, places that are less affected by the continual environmental oscillations in coastal regions and which, therefore, offer greater protection and stability for hermit crabs. (AU)