Crab diversity from coastal region of Moa Island, Southwest Maluku, Indonesia.

Indonesia is an archipelago with 77% of small islands. Although Indonesia is known as a great center of biodiversity, the coastal biodiversity of its small island needs to be better documented. Crabs that are included in the infraorder Bachyura, subphylum Crustacea is one of the most diverse faunas that inhabits coastal ecosystem. However, information on its diversity needs to be well-studied. This study aims to determine the diversity of crabs found on the coast of Moa Island. Research on crab diversity on the coast of Moa Island was conducted from 18 to 25 September 2019 at six sampling locations during low tide using the quadratic transect method and purpose random sampling. Crabs were collected using hand shovels and handpicking. The samples obtained were then preserved using 70% alcohol, and identification and analysis were carried out in the laboratory. From six sampling locations, 160 individuals of crab were identified, consisting of 33 species that included 28 genera and 14 families, with the value of Shanon-Weaver diversity index from 1.51 to 2.39 and Simpson index from 0.115 to 0.334. Menaethiops sp. from the Family Epialtidae and the Thalamita admete from the Family Portunidae are almost always found in each location. In conclusion, small islands are sites of important coastal biodiversity. Research on the coast of Moa Island has found various species of crabs which are an important part of Indonesia's biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]