Reay, P.J. (1985). Littoral hermit crabs (Decapoda: Anomura) from port Mombasa. Journal of the East Africa Natural History Society and National Museum 75(182): 1-11.

5966

Reay, P. J.

1985

75(182): 1-11

Publication

Ten species of hermit crabs belonging to the genera Coenobita (2 species), Calcinus(2), Clibanarius (5) and Dardanus (1) were collected and identified from the supralittoral and intertidal zones of Port Mombasa during February and March 1983. A key to the identification of the species is presented. The species pair, Calcinus laevimanus and Clibanarius virescens were numerically co-dominant and occurred throughout the intertidal area. Actual densities of up to 82 crabs/m2 were recorded, but aggregations of C. virescens (e.g. 74 in a 10cm2 area0 could give rise to much higher density values locally. The two dominant species were small in size (up to 14 mm total carapace length), and samples contained up to 36. 2 % ovigerous females. They occurred in 14 different shell types, and there was evidence of both species- and size-related shell selection. From the scarcity of empty shells and from the behaviour of crabs provided with empty shells it was concluded that, suitable shells were a scarce resource for hermit crabs in the area. Compared to the dominant species, the other eight were either rare, or restricted to a particular habitat. For example, Coenobita species were mostly found in the supralittoral zone of sandy beaches. Both Dardanus lagopodes and Calcinus latens were restricted to the shallow sublittoral or lower shore pools, whereas all other species were usually found out of water at low tide. The results are compared with those from other areas, and some suggestions for further work are made

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