Seasonal and Sexual Variation in Cheliped Morphometry and Anomalies of Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847 in the Çanakkale Strait

Abstract

This study investigates the seasonal and sexual variations in cheliped morphometry and anomalies, including heterocely and cheliped loss, in Carcinus aestuarii populations from the Çanakkale Strait. A total of 240 crabs (120 males and 120 females) were sampled seasonally from Çardak Lagoon in 2018–2019 using traditional eel traps. Morphometric measurements of cheliped width, cheliped length, and width were recorded, and cheliped loss patterns were analyzed. Males exhibited significantly larger chelipeds than females, with the right cheliped generally being more dominant. Cheliped loss was more frequent during the breeding season (spring and summer), coinciding with increased predation pressure and competitive interactions. A positive correlation was observed between cheliped width and cheliped dimensions, highlighting sexual dimorphism and functional specialization in cheliped development. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecological functions of heterocely and cheliped loss, emphasizing their implications for crab population dynamics and management strategies. Further studies are recommended to explore the behavioral adaptations and long-term impacts of cheliped anomalies on C. aestuarii populations.