Population structure and reproduction of the hermit crab Dardanus deformis (Anomura: Diogenidae) in the Indian Ocean

Abstract

The population structure and fecundity of the hermit crab Dardanus deformis were studied. Monthly samples were obtained between January and December 2003 at Costa do Sol, Maputo Bay, southern Mozambique. A total of 604 individuals was analysed of which 273 were males, 164 non-ovigerous females and 167 ovigerous females. The overall size–frequency distributions were unimodal, with males reaching larger sizes than both ovigerous and non-ovigerous females. Females were slightly more abundant than males, but the overall sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1. Dardanus deformis showed continuous reproduction throughout the study period. A small number of juveniles was obtained, suggesting that recruitment may take place in a different habitat than that occupied by the adults. The egg number increased with female size, and the high incidence of ovigerous females, may suggest a higher reproductive activity probably as a result of the rapid embryonic development in the study area.