Brachyuran crabs (Crustácea, Decapoda) of the sublitoral sediments from "Enseada” Beach, Ubatuba í SP

Abstract

The occurrence of crab species on the sublittoral sediments from Enseada beach, Ubatuba (SP), was comparatively analyzed on three collecting stations. The families Xanthidae and Portunidae were the most representative in number of species but the portunids were the most abundant. The station 2 was the most numerous in terms of species and specimens, due probably to the high organic material content of the sediment and quantity of algae. The great abundance of juvenile swimming crabs shows that the studying area can be a natural nursery to those organisms.