Species composition of brachyuran crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura) in the mangrove forest area in Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the Brachyuran crab's composition as a basis for effective management and exploitation in Cu Lao Dung Island, Soc Trang province. The contents include identifying crab species, analyzing the distribution of crabs based on the density of mangrove forest and time, diversity index, and characteristics of Brachyuran crabs. This study was carried out from June 2022 to October 2022 with 8 sampling batches at 9 sites belonging to 2 typical habitats. The results showed that 18 crab species belonging to 8 families and 10 genera were identified in Cu Lao Dung Island. Ocypodidae was the most diverse family with 3 genera (30%) and 8 species (44%). Shannon–Wiener index was 2.4 indicating high diversity and density of crabs.