Filling the knowledge gap in the reproductive biology of land hermit crabs (Decapoda: Anomura: Coenobitidae): captive breeding to explore incubation times and frequency

Abstract

Abstract Land hermit crabs are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, and play important roles in the coastal-forest ecosystem, such as contributing to seed dispersal and scavenging; however, they face serious threats such as habitat loss and smuggling for the exotic pet trade. Information on their reproductive biology is thus crucial for formulating and promoting conservation policies to their benefit. We conducted captive breeding for over 10 years, compiling records for four of the 10 years, and report the incubation times and frequency and the successful rate of release of larvae during captive breeding of five species of Coenobitidae: Coenobita brevimanusDana, 1852, C. cavipesStimpson, 1858, C. rugosus H. Milne Edwards, 1837, C. perlatus H. Milne Edwards, 1837, and C. purpureusStimpson, 1858. Results indicate that C. cavipes had the longest incubation period of more than 30 days and C. purpureus the shortest, approximately 20 days. Four of the species bred an average of 3.5 times per year, whereas C. cavipes bred once or twice per year. The success rate of larval release for all five species was 60%–70% over four years. Unsuccessful larval release may have been caused by human and environmental interference. Although further research is required because only small samples of each species were studied, the reported data may help to fill gaps in our knowledge on the reproductive biology of land hermit crabs.