POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MOLE CRAB, HIPPA-ADACTYLA FABRICIUS, IN THE INTERTIDAL SEDIMENT AT KAVARATTI ATOLL, LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

Some population characteristics of a little known mole crab Hippa adac tyla Fabricius from the sandy intertidal habitat of Kavaratti atoll, L akshadweep islands, were studied for understanding the resource potent ials besides some features of breeding behavior. The study is based on the detailed examination of 1140 specimens collected from the interti dal beach during November 1993. The specimens were in the size range o f 8.84-22.56 mm carapace length (CL). The population of mole crab cons isted of three modal size classes, dominated by the newly recruited or the '0' year individuals. The size at maturity of female crabs (estim ated from the smallest egg bearing females) was 10.14 mm CL. The egg b earing population constituted more than 60% of the total observed spec imens of mole crab, and over 80% of the 'I' and 'II' year population c arried eggs. Mean fecundity was estimated to be 1628.61 +/- 853.13 egg s/female/clutch, with a large variation in the total number of eggs pe r female. Regression analysis of fecundity with length and weight (wet weight) revealed that fecundity correlated better with length (r = 0. 86) than weight (r = 0.82). However, the differences between regressio n values were insignificant. This mole crab species possess great pote ntial for commercial exploitation especially in oceanic environment, l ike Lakshadweep islands, where food resources are limited. The informa tion on the population parameters provided here therefore would be use ful for sustainable exploitation.