Population biology and fecundity of the Indo-Pacific hermit crab Clibanarius longitarsus (Anomura: Diogenidae)

Abstract

The population biology and reproduction of the hermit crab Clibanarius longitarsus were studied with emphasis on size structure, sex ratio, breeding season and fecundity. Specimens were sampled monthly over a period of one year (January–December 2003) at Costa do Sol mangrove, Maputo Bay, southern Mozambique. A total of 597 individuals was obtained of which 202 were males, 192 non-ovigerous females and 203 ovigerous females. Annual size–frequency distributions were polymodal for males and bimodal for non-ovigerous and ovigerous females, respectively. Sexual dimorphism was recorded by the larger average size attained by males in relation to females. Sex ratio was female-biased during most months of the study. Clibanarius longitarsus showed a higher reproductive activity with two major peaks (March and October). Juvenile recruitment was continuous throughout the study period. Clutch size was positively associated with female size. The high number of ovigerous females as obtained in the present population may evidence a higher reproductive activity displayed by C. longitarsus at Costa do Sol mangrove.