Taxonomic Clarification of Mud Crab Species of Genus Scylla (Brachyura: Portunidae) Available in the Coastal Regions of Bangladesh

Abstract

Taxonomy of mud crabs under the genus Scylla that are found in the coastal regions of Bangladesh has become a major concern due to the lack of taxonomic identification of the species. In this study 371 samples collected randomly from the seven locations along the coastal areas of Bangladesh were used to study the taxonomy of mud crabs based on morphological characteristics, statistical analysis of morphometric ratios and genetic analysis. Partial sequences of one mitochondrial gene, 12S rRNA, in populations of Scylla spp. obtained from the study areas were used in the genetic analysis. Morphological characteristics, morphometric ratios and sequence data of the samples observed in this study provided sufficient evidence to conclude that the common mud crab species which is being caught from the coastal regions of Bangladesh is Scylla olivacea.