Dear Uresha, Perhaps you will find these references useful. With good photographs, the study area of Bouchard et al. 2013 is the southwest Indian Ocean, but many of the species documented are listed in Kariathil et al.2010 for Great Nicobar Island, near Sri Lanka. Maybe by comparing the two, you can make a list of what crabs might be expected to be found. I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Tom
@all Here are some general suggestions to help you identify estuarine/mangrove crabs in Sri Lanka:
Local Field Guides: Check with local bookstores or natural history museums in Sri Lanka for field guides on marine and coastal fauna. While these guides may not be specifically dedicated to crabs, they might include relevant information and images of crab species found in estuarine and mangrove habitats.
Online Resources: Look for websites or databases dedicated to Sri Lankan marine biodiversity or crab species. Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), research institutions, and universities might have online resources with crab identification keys or species descriptions.
Biodiversity Research Papers: Check scientific papers and research publications that focus on the biodiversity of crabs in Sri Lanka. Research papers often include detailed species descriptions and identification keys.
Local Universities and Research Institutions: Contact local universities or research institutions in Sri Lanka that specialize in marine biology or biodiversity studies. They might have experts who can provide information or direct you to relevant resources.
Online Crab Identification Databases: Explore online databases that cover crabs worldwide. While not specific to Sri Lanka, these databases might still include species that are found in the region, along with images and identification information.
Collaborate with Local Experts: Connect with local naturalists, marine biologists, or experts who have experience studying crabs in Sri Lanka. They can offer valuable insights and guidance in identifying crab species in estuarine and mangrove habitats.
Remember that accurate crab identification can sometimes be challenging, and in some cases, expert assistance may be required. If you are not familiar with crab taxonomy, it is essential to exercise caution when attempting to identify species, as misidentifications can lead to incorrect conclusions about biodiversity and conservation.
The Marine fishery resources in Sri Lanka book is predominantly used by scientists and academics to identify marine fish and invertebrates. However, it was published in 1994 by De Brunin and is now considered outdated. In recent years, several other studies have been conducted, leading to the discovery of new species in addition to those listed in the book. Unfortunately, this new information has not been updated.
For those interested in accessing the FAO book, it can be downloaded from the FAO digital repository using the following link: http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/54dff7ac-4216-5560-962c-cf029df14d8a
Additionally, to aid in crab species identification, there are some online resources,
such as
1. https://www.crustaceology.com/
2. https://www.crabdatabase.info/en/crabs
can be used. However, it is important to note that the validity and reliability of these sources remain uncertain. To ensure the accuracy of your identifications, it is recommended to verify them using FAO species identification guides or zootaxa papers.