POPULATION AND BIOMETRIC ASPECTS OF SWIMMING CRABS (CRUSTACEA: PORTUNIDADE) IN THE BAIXADA SANTISTA, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Abstract

The study analyzed the occurrence of crabs from the family Portunidae on beaches of Santos, São Vicente, and Guarujá (São Paulo, Brazil). Samples were collected using baited hand nets, and the specimens were subjected to sorting and biometric analysis. A total of 99 individuals belonging to four species were recorded: Callinectes danae, Callinectes sapidus, Arenaeus cribrarius, and Callinectes ornatus. C. danae showed the highest abundance, while A. cribrarius was exclusive to Tombo Beach and C. ornatus was poorly represented. Species distribution varied according to substrate, hydrodynamics, and urbanization level, with less anthropized beaches showing greater diversity. The results highlight the influence of environmental conditions on biodiversity maintenance and reinforce the need for continuous monitoring and conservation efforts