New distribution record of Hippoid crabs on Bali strait, Indonesia

Abstract

Hippoidea are known as sand crabs or mole crabs. The distribution of these crabs in Indonesia is found in the Sundaland and the eastern region bounded by the Wallacea line. The purpose of this study was to determine the existence of Hippoidea’s species in Bali Strait. The crab collection was carried out in the Bali Strait during 2 weeks in May 2023. The collection of mole crab in Bomo and Blimbingsari beaches, Banyuwangi and Watu Ulo Beach Regency East Java. Sample collection was done in the morning between 6:00-10:00 am using hands pickup and fishing bait. All of the crab samples that were successfully collected were documented on the beach sand as a photo background, then preserved in 96%. Based on the morphological identification, there were 2 species of mole crab, namely Hippa adactyla (n=11) individuals, and Albunea symysta (4) individuals. The species found on the Blimbingsari beach was only H. adactyla (5). The species from Watu Ulo Beach were 2 species Hippa adactyla (n=8) individuals, and Albunea symysta (1) individuals. These results show a new distribution and record in the central part of Indonesia, especially at the boundary of the Wallacea line.