Castilho, G. G., Ostrensky, A., Pie, M. R. and Boeger, W. A. 2008. Morphology of the male reproductive system of the mangrove land crab Ucides cordatus (L.) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ocypodidae) -Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 89 : 157-161This study provides a detailed description of the macro-and microscopic anatomy of the male reproductive system and the spermatogenesis of the mangrove land crab, Ucides cordatus . A total of 64 adult males were collected between December 2002 and February 2005 in mangroves of the Baía de Antonina, State of Paraná, Southern Brazil (25 ° 25 ′ 08 ′′ S, 48 ° 42 ′ 33 ′′ W). The reproductive system of this species is composed of the following paired symmetrical structures: testes, vasa deferentia (distal, medial and proximal portions), ejaculatory ducts and penises. During spermatogenesis, which takes place in the testes, the following developmental stages are observed: primary and secondary spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoids. Production of male gametes was continuous throughout the study period, indicating that males of this species are physiologically capable of reproducing all year long. M. R
Lethargic crab disease (LCD) has caused extensive epizootic mortality of the mangrove land crab Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus 1763) (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) along the Brazilian coast. Direct culture of tissue samples from sick crabs and subsequent isolation and purification identified the causative agent as an Exophiala species of fungus. The histopathology of crabs with variable signs of LCD indicates that the most affected tissues are the epidermis, connective tissue, heart, hepatopancreas, nervous system, and gills. Gonads, somatic muscles, and digestive system are less affected by the fungus. The observed pathology is compatible with the clinical signs of LCD. Necrosis, tissue degeneration, and congestion of hemal sinuses and vessels are present in heavily infected organs. Nerve fibers may be compressed by accumulations of yeast-like cells. In heavy infections the tissue of gill lamellae is destroyed with subsequent dilation or compression. Cellular immune responses include hemocytic infiltration, agglutination and encapsulation, and phagocytosis. Phagocytosis of yeast-like cells is abundant in the connective tissue associated with the exoskeleton. These results indicate that LCD is the result of a systemic phaeohyphomycosis caused by a species of Exophiala. The present study also suggests that dispersal of the fungus within the crab occurs through the hemal system.
Castilho, G.G., Ostrensky, A., Pie, M.R. and Boeger, W.A. 2011. Phenotypical traits and gonadal development in mangrove land crab, Ucides cordatus (Decapoda: Ocypodidae). -Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 92: 393-397.The association between phenotypical and reproductive traits has been the focus of considerable research in decapod crustaceans, particularly with the goal of facilitating the management and sustainable use of natural stocks of commercial interest. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the existence of a relationship between ovarian maturation and the coloration of the ovary and carapace of Ucides cordatus using histological methods and macroscopic observation. Monthly samples of adult females were obtained between October 2002 and March 2005 in mangroves of the Baía de Antonina, Southern Brazil (25º25¢S; 48º42¢W). A total of 367 specimens were collected throughout the study. Each specimen was classified subjectively into five ovarian colorations (whitish, yellow, orange, brown, and purple) and five carapace colorations (yellow, blue, dark gray, brown, and purple). Although substantial differences in ovarian development were found among females with different carapace and ovarian colorations, the variability within each class precluded their use as reliable indicators of ovarian development.M. R. Pie, GIA, C. P. 19073, Universidade Federal do Paraná,
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