Crustaceans of Mauritius Photo Identification

Crustaceans are a vital component of marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling, and they are also a food source for many species.

Through this online database, we encourage you to share your photos to help us learn more about these important marine animals. Let’s raise awareness about their importance for the health of our planet.

Importance for Science

Accurate identification of crustaceans is paramount for many reasons. It provides crucial data for understanding species distribution patterns and also to monitor biodiversity.

Crustaceans, like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, can tell us a lot about the health of the ocean. Here’s how:

 * Bioindicators: Crustaceans are very sensitive to changes in their environment. If pollutants or toxins are present, it can affect their growth, reproduction, and even their survival.

 * Food web health: Many marine animals rely on crustaceans as a food source. Changes in crustacean populations can indicate disruptions in the food web and affect other species.

 * Ecosystem balance: Crustaceans play important roles in the marine ecosystem, such as nutrient cycling and keeping algae growth in check. Changes in their populations can disrupt these processes.

 * Ocean acidification: Studies have shown that ocean acidification can weaken the shells of some crustaceans, making them more vulnerable. This can be an indicator of broader changes in ocean chemistry.

By monitoring crustacean populations and their health, scientists can gain valuable insights into the overall health of the ocean and identify potential problems.

Contribute

To contribute to our Crustaceans of Mauritius Database, please refer to the guidelines here.

Crustaceans of Mauritius Database