Distribution of Hermit Crabs in Vellar Estuary

Abstract

Distribution and relative abundance of intertidal hermit crabs were studied in 4 stations of Vellar estuary. Abundance of hermit crab was maximum in st 1 which was in the marine zone of the estuary close to the mouth and declined gradually in other stations situated further upstream. Salinity influenced seasonal abundance of hermit crabs in each station. While distribution and abundance of the shells of gastropods, <i>Cerithidea fluviatili</i>s and <i>Umbonium vestirarium</i>, largely influenced the abundance of smaller hermit crabs (6 mm and below in carapace length), availability of bigger sized shells influenced distribution and abundance of bigger sized hermit crabs (above 6 mm in carapace length).