Atlantic-distribution

Guides

• Ucides cordatus

  swamp ghost crab, caranguejo-uçá, Atlantic mangrove ghost crab

  Ucides cordatus is a large mangrove crab endemic to the Atlantic coast of the Americas, ranging from Florida to Uruguay. It is one of two species in the genus Ucides and holds substantial economic and ecological importance, particularly in Brazil where it supports artisanal fisheries. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males and differing in carapace coloration. Population declines have been documented since 1988 due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and disease.

  crustaceandecapodbrachyuramangroveterrestrial-crabecosystem-engineerfisheries-speciesbioindicatorsexual-dimorphismherbivoreburrowingAtlantic-distributionBrazilconservation-concern