The seasonal distribution of Ilyoplax frater in mudflat ecosystems of Hara Biosphere Reserve, Persian Gulf

The aim of this study was to identify the density of crab Ilyoplax frater in mudflats adjacent to mangrove forests in Hara Biosphere Reserves, Persian Gulf. I. frater is a key species conserving a large amount of the organic matter in ecosystem through its nutritional activities, which help shaping structure and functioning of the mangrove ecosystem. Due to its small size and palatability, I. frater is an important food source for many fish species living in mangrove ecosystems. Temperature fluctuation in intertidal zone in summer and winter could impact the distribution and density of invertebrates. Accordingly, sampling was conducted seasonally during February ۲۰۱۸ and June ۲۰۱۹ in six sampling sites in Bandar Khamir and Qeshm. The results showed that, the mean crab density was ۷۷±۱۲۲.۷۷ (±SE) ind. m-۲ and ۱۶± ۳۲.۷۱ ind. m-۲ in summer and winter, respectively. In addition, the mean density was significantly higher in Qeshm ۷۴.۶۶ ± ۱۲۶.۷۸ ind. m-۲ than Khamir ۱۸.۶۶ ± ۲۰.۲۷ ind. m-۲. Also, a significant difference in density was observed between Khamir and Qeshm regions and also between summer and winter seasons.