O solo como importante fonte de nutriente para crustacea Brachyura

Abstract

The nutrient cycle in mangrove ecosystems are very important due to your role on the carbon balance in the tropical coastal ecosystems and their high productivity. Initially, the outwelling hypothesis, postulated that mosty part of the primary production of mangrove was exported by the tides, becoming an important source for coastal species. However, recent papers are demonstrating that large fraction of primary production are consumed by its own fauna and microbiota. The mangrove primary production is represented mostly by mangrove litter and algae. Brachyura crustacenas are important mangrove litter consumers and perform several ecosystem functions, making these animals ecosystems engineers. This study aimed to identify the main dietary source of G. cruentata and U. cordatus and their trophic niche in two different mangroves. In order to execute the study, we collected adult males of G. cruentata and U. cordatus in the Jaguaribe mangrove and the Pacoti mangrove, located in State of Ceará. Also, were realized collected litter fall, soil and other invertebrates that are considered food resource of species under study. Isotopic analyzes of the two Brachyura species and their possible food sources were realized to identify the food resource used by the species. In addition, soil physico-chemical analyzes were performed. It was verified that the soil is an important food resource and nutrient resource for both species. Structural and physicochemical characteristics of mangroves alter the quality of the food resource present in the environment. Both species consume sources with higher nutrient content and occupy different trophic niches.