Effect of salinity on the larval development of the estuarine hermit <i>Crab Clibanarius longitarsus </i> (De Haan)

Abstract

<i>C. longitarsus</i> does not breed during monsoon and the probable cause lies in its larval life history. Larval development of this crab studied in test salinities 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35% in the laboratory shows complete development only in salinities 20 to 35%. With decrease in salinity, the mortality rate increases. Intermoult duration of each larval stage also increases with decrease in salinity. This hermit crab does not breed during monsoon when very low salinity is recorded in the estuary, probably to avoid high mortality of its larvae. Though the adults are tolerant to low salinity, the larvae do not seem to tolerate lower salinities.