Distribution of the fiddler crabs Uca arcuata and Uca lactea in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

The distribution of the fiddler crabs Uca arcuata and U. lactea was investigated. Observations were conducted from March 2008 to October 2009 at 781 sites along the coast and in a lake in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Crabs that could be collected were counted, sexed, and measured. Those that could not be collected were counted and sexed visually. U. arcuata was recorded at three sites: Ohgamo River, Katsumata River and Hoh River. U. lactea were recorded at nine sites: Ohgamo River, Aono River, Katsumata River, Kiku River, Bezaiten River, Ohta River, Bohsoh River, Hoh River and Lake Hamana. The distribution of U. arcuata differed depending on substratum, area, and reed. The distribution of U. lactea differed depending on area, reed, and topographic feature.