Exploration of Anomuran crabs from the intertidal zone of Kadmat and Amini Islands of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, India

Abstract A first hand study regarding the Anomuran crabs in the intertidal zone of Kadmat and Amini islands of Lakshadweep was carried out during November 2021 to June 2022 by monthly sampling from six stations of Kadmat and Amini islands. The study recorded a total nine species of Anomuran crabs, contributed by eight species of hermit crabs belongs to three genera and two families of superfamily Paguroidea and single species of mole crab of superfamily Hippoidea. The hermit crabs namely Coenobita perlatus, C. clypeatus, Calcinus laevimanus, C. latens, C. elegans, Dardanus megistos, D. guttatus and D. deformis. The single species of mole crab is Hippa adactyla. The spatial and temporal variations with respect to abundance and distribution were assessed. The peak average abundance of Anomurans was recorded in the month of April and lowest values during December. Northern part of Kadmat Island had the highest total abundance of the Anomurans and east side of Kadmat had the lowest abundance. The most dominant species was Hippa adactyla with maximum records in the month of April. Among hermit crabs the dominant species was C. perlatus. The least abundant species among Anomuran was D. megistos. The distribution and abundance of species differed based on habitat variability. Traditionally these crabs are used by the local inhabitants of Lakshadweep as a bait for fishery rarely as food and for medicinal purposes. An interesting traditional usage of hermit crab as laxative agent to prevent theft of ‘Neera’. Nowadays unscientific coastal protection structures and other anthropogenic interventions become a serious threat to these Anomuran crabs.