Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Abundance and morphometric variations of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda
(Mangrove Horseshoe crab) from Bhadrak coast of Odisha, India

Volume 66 Issue 1

R. Shaik, S. Tudu, N. Mishra, S. Pati, G. C. Biswal and B. P. Dash

10.6024/jmbai.2024.66.1.2434-09

Abstract

Horseshoe crabs, a group of aquatic chelicerate arthropods belonging to the class Xiphosura, are often referred to as “living fossils” due to their ancient evolutionary lineage and low rate of morphological evolution over time. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem providing a vital source of food for migratory birds and some fish species. Moreover, the blue blood in species is used to detect and neutralize bacteria, making it a valuable tool in testing medical equipment and vaccines. Of the four extant species of horseshoe crabs, Tachypleus gigas Muller (1785) and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda Latreille (1802), are found along the northeast coast of the Bay of Bengal in India. The occurrence, distribution, morphometric characteristics, and breeding grounds of C. rotundicauda along the Bhadrak coast of Odisha were studied using standard procedures. A total of 218 individuals of C. rotundicauda were collected from four sites located along the Bhadrak coast of Odisha: Chandanipal Creek, Dosinga Creek, Udabali Island, and Chudamani Ghat. The average total dorsal body length of female C. rotundicauda was measured to be 33.74±4.52 cm (N = 102), whereas that of males was 29.39 ±2.31 cm (N = 83). In addition, numerous juvenile individuals were discovered, with an average body length ranging from 20.3 cm to 6.2 cm. Several morphological features in both sexes of this species exhibited a significant positive correlation (p<0.05). These morphological features were strongly and positively associated, indicating that changes in one feature were likely to be accompanied by changes in the other. Our findings provide valuable insights into the morphological characteristics of this species and could potentially be used for future studies in areas such as taxonomy, population biology, and conservation management. Public awareness campaigns and sustainable fishing practices can help in the conservation of this species.

Keywords

Horseshoe crab, occurrence, morphometric analysis, conservation

Date : 12-04-2024