Using Applied Statistics for Accurate Size Classification of the Endangered Tachypleus tridentatus Horseshoe Crab

Abstract

The Tachypleus tridentatus (Chelicerata: Xiphosura) is an arthropod that usually displays high site fidelity by restricting its distribution to natal vicinities. Briefly, shore perturbation from boating (Kudat), electric, cyanide and bombing (Kunak) and tourism (Semporna) in Sabah can impair the T. tridentatus growth and produce sexually mature adults with unusual size. The 8-point morphometry of Tachypleus tridentatus from Kudat (Sulu Sea), Kunak and Semporna (Celebes Sea), produces the final output constituting accurate size classification for the species. Meanwhile, T. tridentatus are sexually dimorphic (p = 0.968–0.989), where male T. tridentatus (from Kudat) has prosoma width (27.75 ± 2.68 cm) and weight (1050 ± 610 g) in smaller ranges when compared to the female (33.27 ± 4.68 cm; 3020 ± 1480 g) using the same comparison. In addition, the T. tridentatus populations from Kunak (prosoma width: male = 28.91 ± 1.48 cm, female = 29.44 ± 5.47 cm; weight: male = 800 ± 275 g; female = 2550 ± 155 g) and Semporna (prosoma width: male = 21.73 ± 1.34 cm, female = 24.42 ± 1.36 cm; weight: male = 485 ± 306 g, female = 1320 ± 640 g) differed site-wise. The descriptive statistics (average and standard deviation) relate 7.1–23.0% of T. tridentatus with negative size class. However, the applied statistics using stepwise analysis and regression curve (r2 = 0.566–0.833), relates 30.4% of T. tridentatus with negative size class. Considering weight to produce 100% T. tridentatus with positive size class, it is biased because some crabs are gravid with eggs and if attained unpaired (male and female), they may have recently fed. Therefore, the prosoma (male), interorbit (female) and telson lengths are identified as most appropriate for the size classification of T. tridentatus. Thus, the findings provide a novel baseline for conservation studies that monitor symmetrical and unusual growth in the T. Tridentatus wild stocks.