Survival, growth and sexual dimorphism of the land crab Cardisoma guanhumi under semi-controlled captive conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2026.97.5682Keywords:
Terrestrial crustaceans, Ex-situ conservation, Reproductive biology, Captive managementAbstract
This study evaluated the survival, growth, and reproductive performance of Cardisoma guanhumi maintained for 12 months under semi-controlled conditions. A total of 341 adult crabs were collected from mangrove habitats and housed in a naturalized enclosure equipped with buried PVC shelters, freshwater and saltwater basins, and automated sprinklers to maintain humidity. Crabs were fed a plant-based diet supplemented with tilapia muscle and monitored monthly. Final survival reached 76%, and 68.6% of females became ovigerous, supporting the species’ reproductive viability under captive conditions. Morphometric growth was recorded in 170 intact individuals. Notably, carapace width increased by approximately 1 mm/month despite the near absence of visible molting, particularly among smaller crabs (< 100 g), which gained over 150% in total weight. Seasonal patterns were detected, with greater somatic gains in warmer months. No significant differences were observed between sexes overall, although some interactions were noted in specific morphometric traits. These findings suggest the potential occurrence of hypertrophic tissue expansion or mineral recycling in the absence of ecdysis, which merits further investigation. This study provides the first long-term physiological baseline for C. guanhumi under ex-situ conditions and supports its potential use in conservation and aquaculture programs.
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