Composition, Abundance and Distribution of Brachyuran Larvae in Mida creek, Kenya

Abstract

The composition, abundance and distribution of brachyuran larvae were analysed from plankton hauls collected in four stations at Mida creek, Kenya, from May 1996 to April 1997. Simultaneously, hydrological parameters such as temperature and salinity were measured. Maximum surface-water temperature and salinity were 31 ºC and 37 ppt respectively, recorded in March, during the dry season. In May, during the rainy season, temperature and salinity were 24.6 ºC and 32 ppt respectively. Maximum abundance of brachyuran larvae occurred in February during the dry season. Nine major families of larvae were identified, with the most abundant being the Ocypodidae, Grapsidae and Xanthidae. Abundance of brachyuran larvae was significantly positively correlated with total zooplankton abundance (r² = 0.8) and salinity (r² = 0.71).

Keywords: Brachyuran larvae, abundance, composition, Mida creek, Kenya

West Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science Vol. 3 (2) 2004: pp. 143-150