Diversity of freshwater crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) in the Subansiri River basin of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, northeast India

Crabs are significant invertebrates in the Subansiri River basin, one of major sub-basins Brahmaputra valley northeast India. They have immense ecological and economic value provide an alternative source income for local inhabitants. Following thirteen sites basin were surveyed to determine availability diversity crab species this region: Hatinala, Kalma river, Dikrong Senki Poma Harmuti, Ranganadi river dam site, Diju stream, Lower Downstream Ranganadi, Pani gaon wetlands, Bosa beel, Bhelamora beel. Crab samples collected using a random sampling method identified standard taxonomic keys. Seven from two families distinguished by their morphology habitat preferences: Sartoriana spinigera, trilobata, Maydelliathelphusa lugubris, harpax, Liotelphusa laevis (Gecarcinucidae) Lobothelphusa woodmasoni, Acanthopotamon horai (Potamidae). These crabs thought be endemic Eastern Himalayan region due limited dispersibility. This is first study aimed at contributing documentation conservation freshwater North East Additionally, relevance highlighted.