Distribution and breeding site of Scylla serata (Forskal) in south west coast of Aceh

Abstract Mangrove forests function as breeding, spawning, and nursery ground for various commercial such mud crabs. This study aims to analyze the habitat characteristics of crabs in mangrove ecosystem a breeding location on southwest coast Aceh Province. research was conducted districts Jaya, West Aceh, Southwest Aceh.The station sampling data measurement determined by purposive method. The including pH, temperature, salinity, were analyzed Completely Randomized Design using ANOVA. Sedimentation, dominant flora fauna species presented descriptively. results showed that pH values three ranged from 7.22 7.25 did not show significant difference (P>0.05). temperature 25 35°C, showing (P<0.05) salinity 11.33‰ 19.50‰ (P<0.05). Sedimentation mud, sand, litter, former shellfish. main Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh, Rhizopora apiculata B, mucronata L, Nypah fructican W, Soneratia caseolaris Pandanus tectorius Parkinson ex Zucc, whereas are Scylla serrate (Forskål), Faunus ater Uca Sp, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg). It can be concluded ecosystems area very potential support crab process.