Abstract
- A 3-year study of settlement patterns for three brachyuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) was conducted in two estuaries along the coast of North Carolina, USA. Postlarvae were collected using surface collectors made from “hog's hair” filter material. Collectors were checked daily during July–November of 1990–1992. Settlement of Callinectes sapidus, Uca spp. and Panopeus herbstii showed significant yearly variation. Correlations in abundance with lunar period were observed for C. sapidus, with greatest numbers collected during the new and full moons, and for Uca spp. with greatest numbers during the waxing and full moon. Numbers of P. herbstii showed no correlation with lunar periodicity. Wind direction was related significantly to peak settlement for C. sapidus. Tidal amplitude (as related to lunar period) appears most important to larvae reentering the estuary, with wind events influencing retention and reentry of some, but not all species.