The macrocrustaceans occupy the shallow waters of Mundaú/Manguaba lagoonal system, located in Maceió, AL, northeastern Brazil, were studied from May 1988 to April 1989. Samples were taken with a beach seine. It was collected 15 species belonging to 6 genera and 3 families. Dominant species in number were: Palaemon pandaliformis, followed by Macrobrachium acanthurus and Callinectes danae. Dominant species in biomass were: C. danae, followed by C. bocourti, P. pandaliformis, M. acanthurus and C. ornatus. Dominant species occurred throughout the year and in most stations. Cluster analysis based on the abundance by month and stations showed the presence of two main group of species: Group I dominated by portunids, and group II dominated mainly by palaemonids. As macrocrustaceans are important fishery resources inside the estuarine area, its necessary the development of a better management plan for local authorities in order to guarantee the renewal of stocks.
Callinectes; Macrobrachium; Palaemon; estuary; mangrove
