Abstract Macrobrachium acanthurus is a caridean prawn native to Brazil, and studying techniques to assist in its cultivation is important due to economic interest in it. Eyestalk ablation is commonly used to promote ovarian development and maturation of captive crustaceans, but it can have possible consequences on fertility and brood quality. Histological and histochemical dynamism of oogenesis was analyzed under control (non-ablated females) and unilateral eyestalk ablated females. Females with ovaries in the spent stage of gonadal development were divided into two treatments: unilaterally ablated and non-ablated. A second experiment with the same treatments was conducted using females with mature gonads. Histological and histochemical analyses of the ovaries indicated that the ablation did not affect oogenesis based on ovarian structure, oocyte size, histochemical properties, and atretic oocytes. Ovarian maturation was not accelerated by ablation, either. Survival, nuptial molting, and spawning were also unaffected. From an applied point of view, unilateral eyestalk ablation is not needed in M. acanthurus farming because it does not improve reproductive performance.

Abstract In this study we investigated the distribution of Macrobrachium olfersii (Wiegmann, 1836) along ~150 km of the Ribeira de Iguape river, São Paulo, Brazil. We compared the abundance and spatio-temporal distribution, and checked for differences in size and proportion of each sex in the collections, using two sampling methods. Shrimps were collected monthly at four sites (Eldorado, Sete Barros, Registro, and Iguape), from January to December 2007, using traps and sieves. We obtained a total of 23,818 individuals. The abundance was significantly higher at the Iguape-site, which was the closest to the estuary. There was a positive cross-correlation between abundance and rainfall, indicating an increase in abundance with a decrease in rainfall. The body size increased significantly upstream, suggesting a juvenile upstream migration, controlled by the rainfall regime and the amphidromous behavior of M. olfersii. More than 95% of the individuals were captured by sieving through the marginal vegetation of the river. The average size and sex ratio of each sample varied depending on the capture method: traps captured more and larger males than the sieve. Therefore, we recommend the combined use of these methods to obtain a better coverage of the population biology of freshwater shrimps.

ABSTRACT Rocky shores are ecosystems susceptible to anthropic impact, and the absence of information in Brazil about their biota hampers characterization and conservation measures. Thus, this study analyzed the abundance, richness, diversity and dominance of anomuran and brachyuran communities in sheltered and exposed rocky shores in Anchieta and Guarapari on the coast of Espírito Santo State. It was also studied the community variation concerning the types of rocky shores during the rainy and dry seasons. The organisms were collected manually in the mediolittoral zone of the rocky shores from October 2014 to September 2015. Additionally, temperature and salinity of the water were measured and the rainfall recorded from a meteorological station. In this study, 3,156 individuals were collected, comprising 14 species. The hermit crabs Clibanarius antillensis and Calcinus tibicen were the most abundant species. The three-way ANOVA analysis revealed that there was no interaction between ecological indices and the study locations, rocky shores and seasons. The abundance of the decapod community was statistically different between locations. The richness and diversity indices were higher on the sheltered rocky shore because of the presence of rock fragments and heterogeneous sediments, they are providing higher availability of microhabitats in these areas. There was no relationship between the decapod community and environmental factors, possibly because of a small variation of these factors registered between rainy and dry seasons. It is concluded that the anomuran and brachyuran communities are probably more influenced by biological interactions and physiographic features of rocky shores than by environmental factors.

ABSTRACT We analyzed the spatio-temporal variations of the abundance, distribution and the population structure of Hexapanopeus paulensis Rathbun, 1930 from the southeastern Brazilian coast. Monthly samples were taken from January 1998 to December 1999 at Ubatumirim, Ubatuba and Mar Virado bays. A total of 1084 individuals were obtained, 76 specimens at Mar Virado, 322 at Ubatuba and 686 at Ubatumirim. It was possible to verify an association between the abundance of H. paulensis and bottom temperature (positive correlation), grain size of sediment and organic matter content (both negatively). This explains the higher number of individuals in the stations nearest to the continent (with higher temperature values and heterogeneous substrate). Juveniles were recorded throughout the study period, constituting 39.5% of the sampled population, which highlights the importance of the region (especially Ubatumirim Bay, due the highest abundance) for the establishment of the species. Only females occupied the largest size classes, which could mean differential mortality between the sexes or growth rate. Nevertheless, further studies should be accomplished to a better comprehension of such difference.

In this study, we estimated the size at onset of maturity (carapace width, CW50) and analyzed the relative growth of some body parts and the heterochely of the mud crab Hexapanopeus paulensis. A total of 800 crabs were collected, from January 1998 to December 1999, on the southeastern coast of Brazil. Each specimen was sexed and measured. CW50 was estimated to be 6.7 mm in males and 6.3 mm in females. Carapace length growth was negatively allometric in both sexes. Cheliped length and height was positively allometric for both males and females. Gonopod growth was isometric (b = 1) and negatively allometric (b < 1) in both juvenile and adult males, respectively. Abdomen relative growth was positively allometric (b > 1) for both juvenile and adult females. In males and females, the right cheliped was larger and higher than the left cheliped. Such heterochely may be related to the feeding habits of H. paulensis. Most xanthoid crabs, including the studied species, feed upon mollusks with dextral shells, which require complicated handling. In this sense, the heterochely in H. paulensis might facilitate the food manipulation.

En esto estudio se investigó la talla de primera madurez sexual (ancho del caparazón CW50), crecimiento relativo de varias estructuras corporales y la ocurrencia de heteroquelia en machos y hembras de Hexapanopeus paulensis. Se recolectó un total de 800 ejemplares, de enero 1998 diciembre 1999 en la región de Ubatuba, costa sureste de Brasil. Cada cangrejo recolectado fue sexado y medido. El CW50 ocurre a los 6,7 mm en machos y 6,3 mm en hembras. En machos juveniles y adultos, el crecimiento relativo (basado en el CW) del gonopodio fue isométrico (b = 1) y alométrico negativo (b < 1), respectivamente. El crecimiento relativo del abdomen fue alométrico positivo (b > 1) en hembras juveniles y adultas. El crecimiento relativo del ancho del caparazón fue alométrico negativo en los dos sexos. El alto y largo del quelípedo presentaron alometria positiva. El quelípedo derecho (largo y alto) fue más grande que el quelípedo izquierdo tanto en los machos como hembras. Consecuentemente, H. paulensis exhibe heteroquelia, lo que sugiere especialización de los quelípedos en relación a su hábito alimentario. Tanto H. paulensis como otros cangrejos xantoideos se alimentan de moluscos con conchas dextrógiras, y la destrucción de dichas conchas requiere de un manejo complejo de sus quelípedos. De este modo, los quelípedos heteroquélicos pueden facilitar la manipulación del alimento en el cangrejo H. paulensis.

Patterns of spatio-temporal distribution of Brachyura are determined by the interaction among life history traits, inter and intraspecific relationships, as well as by the variation of abiotic factors. This study aimed to characterize patterns of spatio-temporal distribution of Persephona lichtensteinii, Persephona mediterranea and Persephona punctata in two regions of the northern coast of São Paulo State, southeastern region of Brazil. Collections were done monthly from July 2001 to June 2003 in Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba, using a shrimp fishery boat equipped with double-rig nets. The patterns of species distribution were tested by means of redundancy analysis (RDA) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) in relation to the recorded environmental factors (BT: bottom temperature, BS: bottom salinity, OM: organic matter and granulometry (Phi)). The most influent environmental factor over the species distribution was the Phi, and the ascendant order of influence was P. lichtensteinii, P. punctata and P. mediterranea. The greater abundance of P. mediterranea showed a conservative pattern of distribution for the genus in the sampled region. The greater occurrence of P. punctata and P. lichtensteinii, in distinct transects than those occupied by P. mediterranea, seems to be a strategy to avoid competition among congeneric species, which is related to the substratum specificity.

Los patrones de distribución espacial-temporal de los Brachyura son determinados por la interacción entre aspectos de la historia de vida, relaciones inter e intraespecíficas, así como por las variaciones de los factores abióticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los patrones de distribución espacio-temporal de Persephona lichtensteinii, Persephona mediterranea y Persephona punctata en dos regiones de la costa norte del estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Se realizaron muestreos mensuales, de julio de 2001 a junio de 2003 en las regiones de Caraguatuba y Ubatuba, utilizando un barco camaronero equipado con redes de arrastre de tipo "double-rig". Los patrones de distribución de las especies fueron testeados por medio de una análisis de redundancia (RDA) y de modelos lineales generalizados mixtos (GLMM) por su asociación con los factores ambientales registrados (TF: temperatura de fondo, SF: salinidad de fondo, MO: materia orgánica y Phi). El factor ambiental más influyente sobre distribución de las especies fue el tamaño medio de grano (Phi). Siendo el grado de orden de influencia ascendente a partir de P. lichtensteinii, P. punctata y P. mediterranea. La mayor abundancia de P. mediterranea sobre P. punctata y P. lichtensteinii mostró un patrón de distribución conservativo de género para la región muestreada. Esta variación de abundancia puede estar relacionada con el límite de distribución de las especies. La mayor presencia de P. punctata y P. lichtensteinii en puntos distintos de los ocupados por P. mediterranea parece ser una estrategia para evitar la competencia entre especies congenéricas, relacionada con la especificidad del sustrato.

The spatial and seasonal distribution of different demographic groups of the swimming crab Callinectes ornatus was analyzed with respect to its population biology in three bays (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba, and Mar Virado) in southeastern Brazil. In each bay, monthly sampling was performed during two years along six transects, established at 5, 10, 15, and 20 m depth (parallel to the beach line), in a wave-sheltered area (7.5 m depth), and at an exposed site (10 m depth). Total abundance of crabs was similar among the bays. The presence of immature individuals, adult females, and breeding females was positively correlated with the bottom and surface temperatures, whereas adult males showed an opposite trend with respect to these factors. Immature and smaller individuals were most abundant along the sheltered and shallower transects. Males were more abundant along the shallower transects, and females at 15 and 20 m. This study revealed that different demographic groups occupy the habitat in different ways, according to local features. In general, southeastern Brazil offers a range of conditions that favor reproduction and consequently the maintenance and growth of the local population of C. ornatus, contributing to the relatively high abundance of the species in this coastal area.

Se analizó la distribución espacial y temporal de distintos grupos demográficos del cangrejo nadador Callinectes ornatus en cuanto a su biologia poblacional en tres bahias (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba y Mar Virado) en el sureste de Brasil. En cada bahia se realizaron muestreos mensuales durante dos años en seis transectos, establecidos a 5, 10, 15 y 20 m de profundidad (paralelo a la linea de costa), en una zona protegida del oleaje (7.5 m de profundidad) y en un sitio expuesto al oleaje (10 m de profundidad). La abundancia total de cangrejos fue similar entre bahias. Se observó una correlación positiva entre la presencia de individuos inmaduros, hembras adultas y hembras ovigeras con la temperatura del fondo y superficial, mientras que los machos adultos mostraron una tendencia opuesta con respecto a estos factores. La mayor abundancia de individuos inmaduros y pequeños fue detectada en los transectos protegidos y menos profundos. Los machos fueron más abundantes en los transectos menos profundos, y las hembras a 15 y 20 m de profundidad. Este estudio reveló que los diferentes grupos demográficos ocupan el hábitat de diferentes maneras, de acuerdo con las caracteristicas locales. En general, el sureste de Brasil ofrece diferentes condiciones que favorecen la reproducción y consecuentemente la continuidad y el crecimiento de la población local de C. ornatus, contribuyendo a la relativamente alta abundancia de la especie en esta zona costera.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a distribuição ecológica e a estrutura populacional de A. schmitti no litoral sudeste brasileiro. Os caranguejos foram coletados, mensalmente, de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999 nas enseadas: Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) e Mar Virado (MV), onde também foram obtidas amostras de água e sedimento para análise dos fatores ambientais. A maior abundância de A. schmitti foi verificada em UBM (224), seguida por UBA (154) e MV (23) e não apresentou associação com os fatores ambientais analisados. O motivo da baixa abundância desses caranguejos em MV pode ser a alta ação de ondas que movimenta o material biodetrítico acumulado no fundo e, frequentemente, remove pequenos caranguejos de seus abrigos entre fragmentos de conchas. Os indivíduos foram 269 machos e 132 fêmeas, das quais apenas 4 eram ovígeras. O recrutamento juvenil ocorreu o ano todo, sendo menos intenso na primavera. A maior abundância de indivíduos, bem como as fêmeas ovígeras, ocorreu em 1999, quando a entrada da Água Central do Atlântico Sul (ACAS) foi mais intensa do que no ano anterior. Esta influência ambiental pode ser o principal fator modulador para esta população.

This investigation analyzed the ecological distribution and population structure of A. schmitti on the southeastern coast of Brazil. Crabs were sampled monthly from January 1998 to December 1999 at the following bays: Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) and Mar Virado (MV). Water and sediment samples were also collected from all sampling sites for an analysis of environmental factors. Acantholobus schmitti was most abundant at UBM (224), followed by UBA (154) and MV (23) but its abundance showed no association with the environmental factors analyzed. The low abundance of these crabs in MV may be due to the high wave action that moved biodetritic material accumulated on the bottom and frequently removed small crabs from their sheltered positions among the shell fragments. The individuals captured included 269 males and 132 females, of which only 4 specimens were brooding females. Juvenile recruitment occurred throughout the year, but was less intense in the spring. The major abundance of individuals as well as of ovigerous females occurred during 1999, when the entrance of the South Atlantic Central Waters (SACW) was stronger than in previous year. This environmental influence could be the main factor modulating this population.

In order to better understand the ecology of the different growth phases of the stone crab, Menippe nodifrons, and provide information for conservation of the natural stocks, this study describes the utilization of different biogenic substrates by this species in the intertidal zone. Sampling was carried out by hand at Ubatuba, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Crabs were captured among rocks or in association with three different biogenic substrates: Phragmatopoma lapidosa, Sargassum cymosum and Schizoporella unicornis. In the laboratory, the substrates were sorted and scanned for specimens of M. nodifrons, which were separated and measured at their maximum carapace width (CW), and classified as juvenile or adult specimens. Sex ratio and size distribution of crabs were analyzed for each of the substrate types. A total of 686 specimens of M. nodifrons were obtained during the sampling, ranging in size between 2.4 and 82.5 mm CW. Different mean sizes were recorded in the different substrates (P < 0.05). The high prevalence of juveniles in the samples suggests that these microhabitats are fundamental for the juvenile development of M. nodifrons, as they provide refuge, protection and probably food for juveniles.

Para comprender mejor la ecología de las diferentes fases de crecimiento de los cangrejos de piedra, Menippe nodifrons, y proporcionar información para la conservación de sus poblaciones naturales, se describe la utilización de los diferentes sustratos biogénicos, para esta especie en la zona intermareal. El muestreo se efectuó en Ubatuba, Estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil. Los cangrejos fueron capturados entre las rocas o en asociación con tres diferentes sustratos biogénicos: Phragmatopoma lapidosa, Sargassum cymosum y Schizoporella unicornis. En el laboratorio, los sustratos se clasificaron y analizaron en busca de especímenes de M. nodifrons, que fueron separados y medidos en el ancho máximo del caparazón (CW), y se clasificaron como juveniles o adultos. La proporción de sexos y la distribución de tamaño de los cangrejos se analizó para cada uno de los tipos de sustrato. Se obtuvo un total de 686 ejemplares de M. nodifrons, que variaron entre 2,4 y 82,5 mm CW. Se registraron tamaños medios significativamente diferentes en los distintos sustratos (P < 0,05). El alto número de juveniles en las muestras sugiere que estos microhábitats son fundamentales para el desarrollo juvenil de M. nodifrons, ya que proporcionan refugio, protección y, probablemente, alimentación para estos juveniles.

Este estudo investigou a importância dos fatores ambientais sobre os padrões de abundância dos decápodos na costa sudeste brasileira. Amostragens foram feitas mensalmente de janeiro-1998 a dezembro-1999 em Ubatumirim e Mar Virado, região de Ubatuba, usando um barco de pesca camaroneiro equipado com redes doublerig. Foram selecionadas seis áreas adjacentes aos costões rochosos. Amostras de água de fundo foram coletadas usando garrafa de Nansen, para mensurar a temperatura e salinidade. Amostras de sedimento foram obtidas utilizando pegador de Van Veen, para determinação da textura e conteúdo de matéria orgânica. A associação dos fatores ambientais com a abundância das espécies foi verificada através da Análise de Correspondência Canônica (α = 0,05). Quarenta e uma espécies de Decapoda foram utilizadas na análise multivariada. A análise indicou que a textura do sedimento (phi) e a temperatura foram os fatores mais fortemente correlacionados (p < 0,05) com a abundância espacial e temporal das espécies. Considerando a região de estudo como zona de transição faunística, incluindo espécies de origem tropical e subantártica, as espécies responderam diferentemente aos fatores ambientais, principalmente à temperatura. Possivelmente os decápodos ajustem sua distribuição de acordo com suas limitações fisiológicas intrínsecas, como resultado dos recursos disponíveis.

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.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar o crescimento relativo e a maturidade sexual morfológica de Menippe nodifrons. As coletas foram realizadas na Praia Grande e Tenório, Ubatuba, São Paulo. Os caranguejos foram separados quanto ao sexo e mensurados na região da largura (LC) e comprimento da carapaça, comprimento e altura dos própodos quelares direito e esquerdo, largura do abdome (LA) nas fêmeas e comprimento do gonopódio (CG) nos machos. Obteve-se 399 indivíduos, sendo 195 machos e 204 fêmeas. Os machos atingiram a maturidade sexual com 29,7mm LC e as fêmeas com 31,6mm LC. Para as fêmeas a melhor relação que indicou a muda da puberdade foi LA vs. LC, sendo que o crescimento foi alométrico negativo na fase jovem e alométrico positivo após a muda da puberdade. Para os machos foi CG vs. LC evidenciando crescimento alométrico positivo na fase jovem e isométrico na fase adulta.

The relative growth and size at onset of morphological sexual maturity of the stone crab Menippe nodifrons were investigated. A total of 399 crabs was captured on Praia Grande and Tenório beaches at Ubatuba. Carapace width (CW) and length, cheliped propodus length and height, abdomen width in females, and gonopod length in males were recorded. In females, the abdominal width showed negative allometry for juveniles and positive allometry for adults; the puberty molt occurred at 31.6 mm CW. In males, the size at onset of morphological sexual maturity was estimated as 29.7 mm CW; the gonopod growth showed positive allometry for juveniles, and an isometric relationship for adults. The gonopod length and the abdominal width were the most appropriate morphometric variables to estimate size at onset of sexual maturity in this stone crab.

O completo desenvolvimento larval de Notolopas brasiliensis é descrito, a partir de material criado em laboratório, com ênfase na morfologia externa de Majoidea e comparado aos demais gêneros de Pisidae. O desenvolvimento larval de N. brasiliensis consiste em dois estágios de zoea e um de megalopa. A duração media de cada estágio foi de 4.2 ± 1.0 dias para a Zoea I e 3.8 ± 0.7 dias para a Zoea II, a megalopa aparece entre 8.1 ± 0.4 dias após a eclosão. Os caracteres previamente utilizados para definir as formas larvais de Pisidae ou são simplesiomórficos ou altamente homoplásticos. Foi observado que não existe um conjunto de caracteres capazes de definir Pisidae até o presente.Contudo foi mostrado que uma combinação de caracteres pode ser utilizada para diferenciar Notolopas dos demais gêneros da família.

The complete larval stages of Notolopas brasiliensis are described from laboratory reared material, with emphasis on the external morphological features of Majoidea, and compare the morphology of N. brasiliensis with other genera of Pisidae. Larval development of N. brasiliensis consists of two zoeal stages and one megalopa. The duration mean of each zoeal stage was 4.2 ± 1.0 days for Zoea I and 3.8 ± 0.7 days for Zoea II, the megalopa instar appearing 8.1 ± 0.4 days after hatching. The characters previously used to define larval forms of Pisidae are either symplesiomorphic or potentially highly homoplastic. As well, was observed that there are no common sets of larval characters that would define Pisidae nowadays. However, was showed that only a combination of characters could differentiate Notolopas from other pisid genera.

A biologia populacional de Exhippolysmata oplophoroides (Holthuis, 1948) foi estudada na enseada de Ubatuba (23º26'S, 45º02'W), Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, de setembro de 1995 até agosto de 1996. Cada amostragem compreendeu oito transectos (14000 m² cada), amostrados mensalmente com três repetições. Os espécimes foram classificados quanto à presença ou ausência de ovos nos apêndices abdominais. Os camarões espinhos ocorreram somente em seis transectos, sendo mais abundantes no transecto II, com a maior incidência no final da primavera e ao longo dos meses de verão. Indivíduos ovígeros e não ovígeros estiveram presentes o ano todo, numa proporção semelhante a 1:1. O transecto II é caracterizado por altos valores de salinidade e oxigênio, temperatura entre 26 e 29º C, baixo teor de matéria orgânica e sedimento composto por areia muito fina. Tais características biológicas e ambientais permitem o estabelecimento e a manutenção da população de E. oplophoroides na região de estudo.

The population biology of Exhippolysmata oplophoroides (Holthuis, 1948) was studied in Ubatuba Bay (23º26'S, 45º02'W), Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, from September/1995 to August/1996. Each sampling comprised eight transects (14 000 m² each), sampled monthly with three repetitions. The specimens were classified with respect to the presence or absence of eggs in the abdominal appendages. Spine-shrimps occurred only on six transects, being most abundant on transect II, with the highest incidence in late spring and throughout the summer months. Ovigerous and non-ovigerous shrimps were present year-round, in an approximately similar proportion (1:1). Site II in Ubatuba Bay is characterized by high salinity and oxygen values, temperature between 26 and 29ºC, low organic matter content in the sediment, and a bottom composed of very fine sand; these environment and biological features allow the establishment and maintenance of the population of E. oplophoroides.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a composição e a abundância dos caranguejos no infralitoral não-consolidado de duas regiões (Ubatuba e Caraguatatuba) do litoral norte paulista, Brasil. Em cada região foram realizadas coletas mensais em sete profundidades, durante o período de dois anos (Julho/ 2001 a Junho/ 2003), utilizando-se um barco de pesca equipado com duas redes do tipo "double-rig". Obteve-se um total de 30.231 caranguejos (13.305 em Ubatuba e 16.926 em Caraguatatuba), abrangendo nove superfamílias (Dromioidea, Homoloidea, Calappoidea, Leucosioidea, Majoidea, Parthenopoidea, Portunoidea, Xanthoidea e Pinnotheroidea), 16 famílias, 29 gêneros e 44 espécies. Do total de espécies coletadas, 31 foram comuns para as duas regiões. Dentre as duas regiões, Caraguatatuba apresentou a maior riqueza de espécies (42) e o maior índice de diversidade (2,93 bits/inds.). Para ambas regiões, Callinectes ornatus, Hepatus pudibundus e Libinia spinosa, foram os braquiúros mais abundantes. Tais resultados indicam que as duas regiões analisadas apresentam ambientes propícios para o desenvolvimento dos braquiúros, possibilitando uma alta biodiversidade.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the composition and abundance of the marine brachyuran crabs in non-consolidated sublittoral sediments in two regions, Ubatuba and Caraguatatuba, on the northern coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. In each region, collections were made monthly at seven depths for two years, July 2001 through to June 2003, from a fishing boat equipped with two double-rig nets. A total of 30,231 crabs were caught (13,305 at Ubatuba and 16,926 at Caraguatatuba), representing nine superfamilies (Dromioidea, Homoloidea, Calappoidea, Leucosioidea, Majoidea, Parthenopoidea, Portunoidea, Xanthoidea and Pinnotheroidea), 16 families, 29 genera and 44 species. Among the total species collected, 31 were common to both regions. Caraguatatuba showed higher species richness (42) and a higher H' diversity index (2.93). For both regions, Callinectes ornatus, Hepatus pudibundus and Libinia spinosa were the most abundant brachyurans. The results indicate that the two regions provide favorable environments for brachyurans, resulting in a locally high biodiversity.

The purpose of the present study is to examine the population structure and the breeding period of Pachycheles monilifer (Dana, 1852) inhabiting sabellariid worm reefs in the littoral of São Paulo State coast. The specimens were obtained at 2-month intervals from September/94 to July/95. The study sites were located at the rocky shores of Tenorio and Paranapuã Beaches. Individuals sampled showed a total averaged 4.4 ± 1.4 mm carapace length. Ovigerous females were more frequent in September. Despite clear differences regarding the arrangement of these sabellariid colonies, they are extremely important to the establishment and maintenance of P. monilifer.