Ontogenetic distribution of Callinectes ornatus (Decapoda, Portunoidea) in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

The spatial and seasonal distribution of different demographic groups of the swimming crab Callinectes ornatus was analyzed with respect to its population biology in three bays (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba, and Mar Virado) in southeastern Brazil. In each bay, monthly sampling was performed during two years along six transects, established at 5, 10, 15, and 20 m depth (parallel to the beach line), in a wave-sheltered area (7.5 m depth), and at an exposed site (10 m depth). Total abundance of crabs was similar among the bays. The presence of immature individuals, adult females, and breeding females was positively correlated with the bottom and surface temperatures, whereas adult males showed an opposite trend with respect to these factors. Immature and smaller individuals were most abundant along the sheltered and shallower transects. Males were more abundant along the shallower transects, and females at 15 and 20 m. This study revealed that different demographic groups occupy the habitat in different ways, according to local features. In general, southeastern Brazil offers a range of conditions that favor reproduction and consequently the maintenance and growth of the local population of C. ornatus, contributing to the relatively high abundance of the species in this coastal area.

Reproductive features of the swimming crab Callinectes danae(Crustacea, Portunoidea) on the subtropical coast of Brazil: a sampling outside the estuary

“…Studies by Chacur and Negreiros-Fransozo (2001) found that C. danae was more abundant in areas with up to 10% organic matter in the sediment, which may explain the smaller number of individuals collected in MV. According to Andrade et al (2013aAndrade et al ( , 2014a, the sediment in UBA is very similar to that in UBM; however, UBA is more impacted by sewage discharges, which increase the organic-matter content closer to the coast, perhaps explaining the lower abundance of crabs on the sheltered transect in this bay.…”

Temporal and bathymetric distribution of juveniles and adults of the speckled swimming crab Arenaeus cribrarius from coastal waters of southern Brazil

“…For Brazilian portunids, Keunecke et al (2012) and Andrade et al (2013) reported migration of ovigerous females of Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863 to deeper and saltier regions to spawn their offspring. Moreover, from southern Brazil Branco & Masunari (2000) reported that the ovigerous females of Callinectes danae Smith, 1869 also migrate to complete the incubation of their eggs and release the newly-hatched larvae.…”