Ciclo reprodutivo do caranguejo violinista Uca rapax (Smith) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ocypodidae) habitante de um estuário degradado em Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

摘要: This present work describes the reproductive cycle of Uca rapax (Smith, 1870) based on observations their gonadal development and molt cycles in a degraded mangrove area Paraty, State Rio de Janeiro. Two collectors captured crabs monthly (from July 2001 to June 2002) during 15 minutes by procedure capture per unit effort low tide periods. Crabs were sexed, measured (carapace width – CW; 0.01 mm precision) females checked for eggs. Crab’ stages gonad both sexes determined direct macroscopic observation stage was estimated hardness tegument. A total 1,558 specimens collected, being 801 males 757 (16 ovigerous females). Ovigerous accounted only about 3% population, perhaps because usually remain underground closed burrows incubation, which can not be seen easily field. with mature gonads found year-round, but most reproduction U. occurred warmer months year (spring-summer). The frequency activity lower (12.8%) than intermolt crabs. Probably, burrowed this critic period that is change exoskeleton, minimizing risks imposed occurrence soft skeleton. Despite occurring properly mangrove, its seems affected habitat condition, when it compared areas mangroves no impacted human action. fact supported presence potentially year-round at study area.