BIOECOLOGY OF THE UÇÁ-CRAB, Ucides cordatus (LINNAEUS, 1763), IN VITÓRIA BAY, ESPÍRITO SANTO STATE, BRAZIL

The biology of the Ucides cordatus in Vitória Bay (ES) was evaluated as a possible tool for population management. Sampling occurred monthly for about a year (October 1998 to September 1999) with biometric analysis (CW = carapace width; WW = total wet weight) and abiotic factors on four transects, each with four bands (margin to supratidal region). The density was 3.7±1.5 crabs.m, with an increase toward the supratidal region, and depth of the galleries with 1.1 ± 0.3 m. The salinity of interstitial water differed between bands, being higher in the supratidal. There was significant correlation between the abundance of individuals and some environmental factors, the same occurring with open and closed burrows. The sex ratio showed a predominance of females (1.0M:1.6F), particularly between 50 and 75 mm (CW). The higher incidence of closed burrows occurred in August and September, while ovigerous females were recorded from January to April. The relationship WW/CW showed isometry for males (WW=0,425.10 LC; R=0.99) and females (WW=0,439.10 LC; R=0.99). For the total population the average size (CW) and weight (WW) were 54.6±11.8 mm and 77.5±42.4 g, respectively. The population is under super-exploitation, requiring proper management for the viability of activity in the area.