MAKURDI'S AQUATIC LANDSCAPE: MORPHOLOGICAL EXPLORATION AND ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION OF SUDANONAUTES AFRICANUS

Abstract

Crustaceans, particularly crabs, play a pivotal role in ecological dynamics and economic systems, serving as both delicacies and integral components of the food chain. Among these, the West African freshwater crab, a diverse group belonging to the Potamonautidae family, boasts over 88 species distributed across various river systems and streams within Africa. These crabs exhibit versatile adaptations, encompassing freshwater, semi-terrestrial, and terrestrial habitats, allowing them to complete their life cycle outside of marine realms, classifying them as authentic freshwater inhabitants. Freshwater crabs constitute a vital macro-invertebrate cohort within tropical inland waters on a global scale. Signifying strong indicators of water quality and participating in nutrient cycling within tropical freshwater ecosystems, they manifest substantial ecological significance. Consequently, comprehensive exploration of the population structure and biological attributes of freshwater crabs assumes paramount importance, aligning with ecological comprehension and economic considerations. Morphometric analysis, a potent tool for population research, augments genetic and environmental stock identification methods. Morphological insights gleaned from freshwater crab characterization yield invaluable data concerning size interrelationships, distinguishing traits, and growth patterns. These insights are pivotal for delving into species life histories and underpinning effective resource management. However, measuring crab length can be arduous and hazardous, risking both crab and investigator. Therefore, converting length into width, particularly when only weight is ascertainable, or employing length-weight regression stands as prevalent techniques for length estimation. The length-weight correlation plays a pivotal role in deciphering growth patterns during developmental trajectories of aquatic organisms. Individual weight-length/width relationships within populations are pivotal for stock size estimations. Notably, length-width/weight relationships emerge as a more suitable framework for crustacean population assessments. Despite their ecological and economic importance, a paucity of information prevails regarding the population structure and biology of Sudanonautes africanus, a freshwater crab species, within the Lower River Benue, Makurdi, and Benue State, Nigeria. In this context, this study endeavors to unravel the abundance and select biological facets of S. africanus, including length-weight relationships and condition factors, within the Lower River Benue, Makurdi, and Benue State. Through this investigation, a more nuanced comprehension of the species' ecological role and economic potential is anticipated