Author(s): Koji Uno; Susumu Nakano
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Genus Uca; Tidal flat; Larval release
Abstract: It is necessary to keep tidal flats in good condition because they have a variety of environmental functions as well as, because they provide human beings and other living organisms with amenity spaces and habitats, respectively. The intertidal flat at the mouth of the Yoshino River, Japan is well-known as one of few remaining habitats for fiddler crabs, Genus Uca, that are classified in the near threatened species in the Red Data List edited by the Environmental Agency of Japan. To understand characteristics of this benthic animal's life history on and around the intertidal flat is useful for examining conservation methods of the area. In this study, the hatching and dispersion process of the larvae of Genus Uca were investigated through laboratory experiments and field observations. The results are summarized as follows: 1) The larvae of Genus Uca are hatched during a restricted period around a flood tide in a spring tide. 2) The adaptability of zoeae to variations of salinity is considered to be fairly high because they were collected at positions with a wide range of salinity. 3) The amount of zoea individuals emerging in one hour at this intertidal flat was estimated to be about 150,000.
Year: 2001