Life history characteristics and burrow structure of the mud shrimp (Decapoda: Upogebiidae)

Abstract

Burrow-dwelling shrimps, formerly known as "thalassinids," are attracting the attention of researchers as ecosystem engineers. This review focuses on the ecology of upogebiid shrimps worldwide, especially their life history and burrow traits. The mud shrimp has a larval period consisting of three to four zoeal stages with one decapodid stage. The time required for maturity and longevity has been estimated to be 1-3 years and 3-5 years, respectively. However, data on shrimp lifespan may be updated with the development and application of age determination methodologies. The structure of the shrimp burrow is mainly U-or Y-shaped and is similar among species but with some interspecific differences. Mud shrimps are filter feeders due to the ventilation activity in the U-shaped structure, and inhabit burrows with an inner diameter that fits their body. Burrow connections were recorded between burrows of males and females. Some juvenile mud shrimps may branch off from adult burrows to create their own burrows. This review discusses the response of shrimp populations in areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Owing to long maturation times, the recovery of these populations was slow in habitats affected by tsunamis. These results highlight the future effects of climate change on shrimp populations.

Population Characteristics of the Mud Shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) on Korean Tidal Flats in the Eastern Yellow Sea

“…This species constructs extensive Y-shaped burrows below the sediment surface and often occurs in very high densities [2,3] in intertidal sandy mudflats, with observed depths reaching over 2.08 m [2]. It is commonly found along the coasts of Korea, Japan, China, and Russia [4][5][6][7][8][9]. They are considered among the most influential ecosystem engineers in marine soft-bottom ecosystems [6,[10][11][12][13].…”

“…Studies have been conducted on the larval development of U. major [46,47], its burrow structure [2,48], parasitism and commensalism [49][50][51][52], sexual dimorphism [53], life history, and the ecological characteristics [6,8]. Population characteristics have been studied in Tokyo Bay, Japan, and Vostok Bay, Russia [4,54].…”