Effect of environmental factors on the abundance of decapod crustaceans from soft bottoms off southeastern Brazil

Abstract

This study investigated the importance of variations in environmental factors affecting the abundance patterns of decapods on the southeastern Brazilian coast. Sampling was carried out monthly from January 1998 through December 1999 in Ubatumirim and Mar Virado, Ubatuba region, using a commercial shrimp fishing boat equipped with double-rig nets. Six areas adjacent to rocky shores were chosen. Bottom-water samples were collected using a Nansen bottle, to measure the temperature and salinity. Sediment samples were also obtained by means of a Van Veen grab, for determination of texture and organic-matter content. The association of environmental factors with species abundance was evaluated by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (α = 0.05). Forty-one species of Decapoda were used in the multivariate analysis. The analysis indicated that sediment texture (phi) and bottom temperature were the main factors correlated (p < 0.05) with the spatial and temporal abundance of the species. Considering the study region as faunal transition zone, including a mixture of species of both tropical and subantarctic origin, the species responded differently to environmental factors, mainly temperature. It is conceivable that the decapods adjust their distribution according to their intrinsic physiological limitations, possibly as a result of the available resources.

Distribution pattern of juveniles of the pink shrimps Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) and F. paulensis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967) on the southeastern Brazilian coast

“…Similar results were found by Furlan et al (2013), whose explanation was based on Williams (1958), in which the burying behavior of shrimp is related to their ability to excavate, and to the intrinsic respiratory requirements of each species. Sediment grains with larger diameters are more difficult to move, so individuals require more time and expend more energy to bury in this type of substrate (Ruello, 1973).…”

Ecological distribution of Nematopalaemon schmitti and Exhippolysmata oplophoroides (Crustacea: Caridea) near an upwelling area off southeastern Brazil

“…Sediment characteristics usually influence the abundance patterns of decapod crustaceans (Furlan et al, 2013). Additionally, organic material deposited among sediment particles serves also as a food source for some benthic organisms (Bertini & Fransozo, 1999).…”

Comparative analysis of populational structure of the Hermit Crab Dardanus insignis (Anomura: Diogenidae) in a Subtropical Area of the Brazilian Coast

“…Several studies with old information was recently published with this purpose (Fransozo et al, 2011;2012;Andrade et al, 2013a, b, c;Baeza et al, 2013;Furlan et al, 2013;herein). In this study, it was found that the environmental factors showed distinct variations for both sampled sites, being the SACW evidenced by means the decrease in the water surface temperature values at the Couves Island during spring and summer (Mantelatto & Fransozo, 1999;Negreiros-Fransozo et al, 1991).…”