Determination of selected parameters regarding reproductive biology of sand bubbler crab (Dotilla intermedia De Man, 1888) in Laem Son National Park, Prapas Beach, Thailand

Abstract

The reproductive biology of the sand bubbler crab (Dotilla intermedia De Man, 1888) is important, and its reproductive pattern is of great importance for development of conservation plans and the management of natural stocks. Specimens of sand bubbler crab were collected from Prapas Beach in the Laem Son National Park, Ranong province, Thailand during July 2018 to June 2019 to determine the reproductive period and size at first maturity and fecundity. In total, 960 specimens (613 males and 347 females) were collected. The male specimens had a carapace width range of 1.30–4.50 mm (mean ± SD, 3.26 ± 0.04 mm) and a body weight range of 0.0122–0.1340 g (0.0663 ± 0.0022 g), while the females had a carapace width range of 1.00–4.20 mm (2.74 ± 0.09 mm) and a body weight range of 0.0011–0.1300 g (0.0494 ± 0.0038 g). The sex ratio was 1:1 (male: female) in most months of the year based on a χ² test (p > 0.05). The carapace width at 50% maturity was 2.05 and 2.03 mm for males and females, respectively. Three gonad developmental stages could be identified in males and five stages in females. Both male and female stages of maturity could occur throughout the year.