| Article Title En | Natural Feeding and Dietary Compositions of Commercial Trawled Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) Crabs in Khuzestan Coastal Water; South-West of Iran |
|---|---|
| Authors | Atefeh Soleymani Farsani; Mahsa Haghi; Mohammad Zakeri; Majid Shekari |
| Journal | Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences |
| Dor Code | 10.1007/s41208-020-00190-3 |
| Paper Type | Original Research |
| Published At | 2020 |
| Journal Grade | ISI (WOS) |
| Journal Type | Electronic |
| Journal Country | Spain |
Abstract
Local consumption of Portunus pelagicus can be an important source of local income and job opportunities for coastal villagers. Due to blue swimming crab’s relationship with various trophic levels, it plays an important ecological role in food webs and local livelihood. Knowledge about the dietary habits of a species could be useful for its successful future culture. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the feeding habits of P. pelagicus along the khuzestan coasts. A total of 558 blue swimming crabs were examined for feeding habits and food item composition. In the present study, 31 food items which are belonging to various groups identified in stomach content. Also, deposit feeding in majority of stomachs is showed by the presence of mud or sand. A comparison between food intensity and condition factor indices results shows that in Khuzestan, water P. plagicus has a good fitness condition and inappropriate feeding intensity. Organic matter index mean in female was more than male. Furthermore, organic matter combined with sediment consumed by crabs during deposit feeding. P. plagicus stomach was investigated in different molting stages. Most stomachs of pre-molted crabs were full of sponge pieces and Intermolted crabs are almost feeding on molluscs. Cannibalism strategy is observed, too.