Identification of a hermit crab, Clibanarius signatus, in Hormuz Island abundance, sex ratio and shell selection behaviors

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Abstract

In order to establish a complete list of the hermit crab species in the southern coast of Iran and
also determine some of their biological characteristics in the intertidal zones of Hormuz
Island, a seasonal sampling collection was conducted in 6 intertidal stations during the years
2010–2011. The 542 collected samples were found to be Clibanarius signatus, which
identified in the island. Comparing the samples with the metatypical hermit crab samples in
the Zoological Museum, University of Tehran, verified the species. The one ways ANOVA
with LSD test showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the abundance of the species in
some stations, but seasonal changes did not significantly affect the abundance. Male-female
sex ratio was 1/52 male: 1 female. Seasonal study of sexes (male, non-ovigerous female,
ovigerous female) confirmed that species did not have a particular spawning season,
nevertheless the spawning increased in summer. The shell selection behaviors showed that the
hermit crab uses the shells of 36 gastropod species (24 genera) for protecting its abdominal
section.

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Iranian Scientific Fisheries Journal
Volume 22, Issue 4 - Serial Number 85
November and December 2014
Pages 119-127

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