Effects of climate-induced water temperature changes on the life history of brachyuran crabs

Water temperature is among the most important factors affecting reproduction and development of brachyuran crabs. The increase in mean global temperature resulting from climate change and atmospheric warming subjects all organisms to potential thermal stress. This paper reviews the effects of climate-induce water temperature change on the thermal tolerance, thermal polygon and as expressed by changes in growth, development, thermal resistance, maturation, spawning and embryonic development throughout the brachyuran crab's lifespan. Survival and growth of brachyuran crabs, particularly during moulting, is temperature dependent. Thermal tolerance as depicted in thermal polygons varies among individuals depending on their acclimatization temperature and life stage, size and physiological condition. The mechanism of thermal tolerance and exact parameters of the thermal polygons of brachyuran crabs remain to be elucidated. Cooler water retards growth and delays maturity, causing crabs to begin maturation when they are at larger sizes. Crabs possess a set of behavioural, biochemical and physiological responses that enable them to compensate for temperature fluctuations, but these biological tools have limits.