Use of Subtidal Habitat by the Asian Shore Crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus in Long Island Sound

摘要

Hemigrapsus sanguineus Asian Shore Crab is an introduced but now common crab found intertidally along the Connecticut coastline. Little is known of its subtidal occurrence. This species was found to be seasonally abundant subtidally, at depths varying from 1.3-3.9 m, during a 2-year study conducted within a commercial marina in Clinton Harbor, CT. Hemigrapsus sanguineus was trapped at three subtidal locations, with highest concentrations observed during the winter. A total of 2020 crabs were caught: 1255 males, 741 females, and 24 crabs that were 9 mm or smaller and sexually indistinguishable. Large males with carapace widths between 45-48 mm, were captured at all three locations. These sizes are among the largest reported for this species. This work documents year-round use of subtidal habitat by Asian Shore Crab in Long Island Sound.