An examination of the techniques used to capture mangrove crabs, Ucides cordatus , in the Mamanguape River estuary, northeastern Brazil, with implications for management

The relationship between weight and size of individuals can be used to evaluate the status of a population, which is particularly useful for natural populations that are being exploited. Ucides cordatus occurs on the Atlantic coast of the American continent, from Florida (USA) to Santa Catarina (Brazil). This species is economically very important, most of all in the Northeastern area of Brazil, as well as in the Dominican Republic and Suriname. The objective of this study was to analyze life phases (‘fattening’, ‘matumba’, ‘milk-crab’, ‘maturation’ and ‘walking’) by use of the weight-length relationships, as well as temporal variations in this condition factor for each sex of U. cordatus. For this purpose, individuals were sampled monthly for twenty-four months at the Jaguaribe River estuary, Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil. The relationship between total weight and cephalothorax width was established using regression analysis, adjusted by a power equation. The dynamics of the condition factor were analyzed for each sex using the variation of its averages related to annual life cycle; this was done for each of the previously-mentioned phases. The relationship between total weight and cephalothorax width showed an isometric growth in males and negative allometric growth in females suggesting that, for the same reference size, males are heavier than females. When considering the average of the female condition factors, these were greater than those for males during the annual life cycle, except during the ‘maturation’ phase, which is the phase with a higher demand of energetic reserves for males. Annual variation of the condition factor in females presented no significant difference.

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Dietary overlap and food resource partitioning among fish species of a tropical estuary in Northeastern Brazil

Gaia Scientia ◽

10.21707/gs.v10.n04a06 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 86-95 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Adna Ferreira da Silva Garcia ◽

Ana Lúcia Vendel

Keyword(s):

Resource Partitioning ◽

Species Coexistence ◽

Food Resource ◽

River Estuary ◽

Niche Overlap ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Dietary Overlap ◽

Feeding Niche ◽

Tropical Environments ◽

Food Resource Partitioning

The current work investigates dietary overlap and food partitioning among nine abundant carnivorous fishes caught in the shallow waters of the Paraíba do Norte river estuary, Paraíba State, Brazil. Fishes were sampled with a beach seine net between January and December 2008 and a total of 958 specimens had their stomach content analyzed. Crustacea was the dominant food resource for Lutjanus alexandrei, L. jocu and Bathygobius soporator, whereas Telostei were consumed mainly by Centropomus undecimalis and C. parallelus. In contrast, Polychaeta were preyed upon mainly by Diapterus rhombeus, Eucinostomus argenteus, Sciades herzbergii and S. parkeri. Although most species consumed similar food items, they did that in varying proportions and amounts. Overall, the niche overlap among species was low (< 0.60), but there were several cases where pair of species had their feeding niche highly overlapped (between 0.72 and 0.97). These findings corroborate the hypothesis that food resource partitioning determines species coexistence in estuarine tropical environments.

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Microbiological Quality Assessment by PCR and Its Antibiotic Susceptibility in Mangrove Crabs (Ucides cordatus) from Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

International Journal of Microbiology ◽

10.1155/2016/7825031 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

M. C. N. Carvalho ◽

M. M. Jayme ◽

G. S. Arenazio ◽

F. V. Araújo ◽

S. G. F. Leite ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rio De Janeiro ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Microbiological Quality ◽

Ucides Cordatus ◽

E Coli ◽

Mar Index ◽

Mangrove Crabs ◽

Crab Meat ◽

Janeiro State

The bacteriological quality of crabs from three different mangroves (Itaóca, Suruí, and Piedade) from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, was investigated using conventional and molecular methods. The results revealed high counts for total coliforms in meat and hepatopancreas samples. PCR analyses identified 25Escherichia colicolonies in the Itaóca, Piedade, and Suruí samples, detecting 13 enterotoxigenic colonies and 9 enteroaggregative colonies. Respectively, 12, 11, and 21Vibrio parahaemolyticusstrains were detected in the Itaóca, Piedade, and Suruí samples. TwoV. choleraestrains were detected in the Piedade samples. TheE. colistrains isolated in the present study showed resistance to gentamicin.E. colistrains from the Piedade samples showed 33% resistance to chloramphenicol and the strains also showed multiresistance to several antimicrobial agents with a MAR index ranging from 0.12 to 0.31.Vibriostrains from Piedade, Itaóca, and Suruí showed 86%, 78%, and 85% resistance, respectively, to ampicillin. The isolatedVibriostrains showed multiresistance to several antimicrobial agents, with a MAR index ranging from 0.12 to 0.25. The presence of these organisms in crab meat is an indication of microbial contamination, which may pose health risks to consumers when improperly cooked.

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Folk classification of the crabs and swimming crabs (Crustacea – Brachyura) of the Mamanguape river estuary, Northeastern – Brazil

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine ◽

10.1186/1746-4269-5-22 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Emmanoela N Ferreira ◽

José da S Mourão ◽

Pollyana D Rocha ◽

Douglas M Nascimento ◽

Dandara Monalisa Mariz da S Q Bezerra

Keyword(s):

River Estuary ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Folk Classification ◽

Swimming Crabs

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Fish assemblages along a morphodynamic continuum on three tropical beaches

Neotropical Ichthyology ◽

10.1590/s1679-62252014000100018 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 165-175 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Ronnie E. M. C. C. Oliveira ◽

André L. M. Pessanha

Keyword(s):

Fish Assemblages ◽

River Estuary ◽

High Variability ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Ecological Role ◽

Increasing Trend ◽

Spatial Differences ◽

Chemical Factors ◽

Estuarine Beaches ◽

Physical And Chemical

A comparative study involving three mesotidal beaches from reflective to estuarine states was conducted between October 2010 and September 2011 in the estuary of Mamanguape River, northeastern Brazil. The aim was to test for differences in fish assemblages along a morphodynamic continuum, particularly the effects of wave action. In total, 3,732 fish from 71 species were examined; Rhinosardinia bahiensisand Atherinella brasiliensisdominated the estuarine beach, whereas Trachinotus carolinus dominated the reflective beach. Fish assemblages were structured by spatial differences among the sites, and overall abundance, richness and biomass demonstrated a clear increasing trend from the reflective to the estuarine beaches, indicating a primary influence of wave exposure in the measured parameters. The Mamanguape River estuary plays a crucial ecological role as a nursery for several species that depend on its resources and have adapted to the high variability of its physical and chemical factors and the diversity of its habitats.

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Histopathological Biomarkers as Indicators of the Environmental Quality of Two Estuaries in Northeastern Brazil

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1081992/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

ITALA Gabriela Sobral SANTOS ◽

Alex Souza Lira ◽

Carolina da Silva Montes ◽

Flávia Lucena Frédou ◽

Rossineide Martins Rocha

Keyword(s):

River Estuary ◽

Trophic Levels ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Santa Cruz ◽

Vacuolar Degeneration ◽

Centropomus Undecimalis ◽

Environment Quality ◽

Hg Pollution ◽

Sugarcane Industry

Abstract The present study aimed at evaluating the environment quality of the Santa Cruz Channel estuary (area 1) and Sirinhaém river estuary (area 2), Northeastern Brazil, using histopathological biomarkers of liver and gills of fish species with different trophic levels as indicators. It was collected liver and gills from five species: Bairdiella ronchus (n=24) and Gobionellus stomatus (n=34) in the area 1; Caranx latus (n=35), Centropomus undecimalis (n=24) and Centropomus parallelus (n=29) from area 2. The liver showed several damages, such as, hepatic steatosis, necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, and infiltration. Centropomus undecimalis had the highest Histopathological Index of Liver (HIL). Gills exhibited moderate to severe alterations for all species, such as the lifting of epithelial cells, lamellar aneurysm, and rupture of the lamellar epithelium. Centropomus undecimalis in area 2 and G. stomatus in area 1 had the higher number of alterations in their organs. Both areas have been historically affected by mercury (Hg) pollution in área 1 and by the sugarcane industry in area 2 and the species used as biomarkers has been proven to be severely damaged in both estuaries. Species chosen in this study were considered good bioindicators of pollution and the combination of biomarkers methodologies in two organs, pioneering in the Northeastern of Brazil, was efficient in diagnosing the health status of the area using fish as bioindicator.

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A substituição das técnicas tradicionais de captura do caranguejo-uçá (Ucides cordatus) pela técnica “redinha” no estuário do rio Mamanguape, Paraíba

SITIENTIBUS série Ciências Biológicas ◽

10.13102/scb68 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 113 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Douglas Macêdo Do Nascimento ◽

José Da Silva Mourão ◽

Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves

Keyword(s):

Environmental Impacts ◽

River Estuary ◽

Mangrove Ecosystem ◽

Gallery Forest ◽

Ucides Cordatus ◽

Harvesting Method ◽

Rapid Transition ◽

Harvesting Techniques ◽

The Cost ◽

Traditional Fishing

Two traditional fishing communities situatedon the margins of the Mamanguape River estuary-mangrove complex, Paraiba State, Brazil, were studied to determine themotivations for their rapid transition from traditional harvesting techniques (braceamento and tapamento) to redinha(little-net) trapping. Our results indicate that the crab harvesters were prompted into changing their techniques primarilydue to higher production rates with redinha. Additionally, there were disadvantages in using both the braceamento andtapamento techniques (including greater chances of accidents and acquiring diseases) that reinforced this transition. Thebehavioral characteristic of the crabs living in denser gallery forest specifically hindered capture using the braceamentotechnique. This fast transition of harvesting techniques is a major concern from a conservation standpoint as the redinhacauses environmental impacts and threatens both the mangrove ecosystem and the populations of caranguejo-uçá crabs(Ucides cordatus). Thus this study examined a problem that is both environmental and social, as traditional techniqueswere less profitable than the new harvesting method but had much less impact – while the redinha helps with crabharvesting and increases income at the cost of higher environmental impacts.

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Description of Atherinella brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) (Atheriniformes: Atherinopsidae) larvae from the Jaguaribe River estuary, Itamaracá island, Northeastern Brazil

Neotropical Ichthyology ◽

10.1590/s1679-62252007000300016 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 369-374 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Elton J. França ◽

William Severi ◽

Maviael F. Castro ◽

Tatiane N. Medeiros ◽

Ana Carla A. El-Deir

Keyword(s):

River Estuary ◽

The Body ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Morphological Development ◽

Juvenile Period ◽

Larval Biology ◽

Larval Body ◽

Initial Development ◽

Pectoral Fins ◽

Morphology And Morphometry

The present study describes the external morphology and morphometry of the initial development of Atherinella brasiliensis, and contributes toward broadening knowledge on its biology. A total of 88 larvae and 14 juveniles were used to characterize the morphological development and analyze body proportions. Fish with standard lengths (SL) from 1.4 to 77 mm were used in the study. Larvae hatch at an average of 1.4 mm SL. In the preflexion stage, the larval body is enveloped by a finfold, which begins behind the head. Pectoral fins are the first to be formed and preflexion larvae have four characteristic dendritic chromatophores on the head. The flexion stage begins at an average of 4.4 mm SL; dorsal and anal fins already exhibit pterygiophores and a terminal, somewhat up-turned mouth. At 6.8 mm SL, the flexion stage ends. In the postflexion stage, larvae present greater ossification of the dorsal and anal fin rays, exhibit pelvic fin buds and a darkening of lateral pigmentation. At an average of 8.8 mm SL, head pigmentation intensifies and pelvic fins exhibit conspicuous ossifying rays. Larvae at 11.8 mm SL have all fins formed; the second dorsal fin is the last to be formed at an insertion point posterior to the anal fin. The juvenile period begins at approximately 12 mm SL. At this stage, A. brasiliensis has an anal fin located at the median portion of the body and the posterior end of pectorals surpasses the origin of pelvic fins, which are located at the midpoint between the pectoral and anal fins. Scales are present on the dorsal-lateral region behind the head. The morphological features of A. brasiliensis herein described allow an adequate identification of its larvae and differentiate them from hemiramphid and other atheriniform larvae, thus broadening knowledge on the larval biology of the species.

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Capture techniques' use of Caranguejo-uçá crabs (Ucides cordatus) in Paraíba state (northeastern Brazil) and its socio-environmental implications

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências ◽

10.1590/s0001-37652012005000066 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 84 (4) ◽

pp. 1051-1064 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Douglas M. Nascimento ◽

Emmanoela N. Ferreira ◽

Dandara M.M.S.Q. Bezerra ◽

Pollyana D. Rocha ◽

Rômulo R.N. Alves ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Impacts ◽

Social Impact ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Environmental Implications ◽

Ucides Cordatus ◽

High Productivity ◽

Capture Techniques ◽

Guided Tours ◽

Social And Environmental Impacts

The present study was undertaken in two traditional communities that are located on the margins of the estuary and mangrove complex of the Mamanguape River, Paraíba state (PB), Brazil. This work describes the crabs capture techniques tapamento and redinha, and identifies the negative socio-environmental impacts of redinha, using qualitative methods (open and semi-structured interviews, guided tours, direct observation and the administration of questionnaires). Results indicate that currently only two principle techniques are used to capture Ucides cordatus: redinha and tapamento. Tapamento has a low impact in relation to redinha. Redinha was pointed out by interviewees as a system that has social impact (social conflicts, breaking of traditions, substitution and extinction of techniques) and environmental impact (less selective captures and high productivity, mangrove pollution, death of crabs caught in traps, cutting of the roots of Rhizophora mangle, micro-habitat loss resulting from galleries destroyed and polluted). Knowledge of crab harvesting carried out using these two techniques and the possible social and environmental impacts caused by redinha, can lead to more effective planning and actions towards the conservation of the species.

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Status of the population structure of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus (Decapoda: Ocypodidae) on the Piraquê-açu River estuary, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Oceanography ◽

10.1590/s1679-87592010000200001 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 58 (2) ◽

pp. 81-92 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Rita de Cássia Conti ◽

Rosebel Cunha Nalesso

Keyword(s):

Salinity Gradient ◽

Carapace Width ◽

River Estuary ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Mangrove Forests ◽

Ucides Cordatus ◽

Management Actions ◽

Mangrove Crab ◽

Crab Density ◽

The Mean

The land crab Ucides cordatus is a keystone species of neotropical mangrove forests and an important resource of the artisanal fisheries. The spatial and temporal distribution of U. cordatus in the mangrove area of the Piraquê-açu river estuary was determined following a longitudinal estuarine salinity gradient (lower, middle, upper estuary) and along the vertical intertidal gradient. The numbers of open and closed burrows were counted monthly on fixed transects, the inhabiting crabs were caught, sexed and the carapace width measured, during 1 year. The mean crab density was 2.5 ind.m-². The highest crab density (3.9 ind.m-²), linked to high numbers of juvenile crabs, was found on the upper estuary and correlated with lower salinities. High intertidal levels had higher crab densities than lower intertidal levels, except in the upper estuary. Males were smaller than females; the mean carapace width of the population was 4.89 cm, below the minimum legal harvesting size (6 cm). The predominance of females over males at some sites (especially close to villages) brought out the advanced level of overfishing of this U. cordatus population and highlights the urgent need of management actions.

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