(Reinsel and Rittschof, 1995). Fidd

(Reinsel and Rittschof, 1995). Fiddler crabs exhibit morphological, physiological and
behavioural adaptations to thrive under desiccation and thermal stress. Takeda et al.
(1996) demonstrated that the well-developed inner linings of the branchiostegites form
‘lungs’ in six species of Uca living in semi-arid environments. They also showed that
the branchiae are reduced in species occupying higher ground. Thurman (1998)
revealed that U. subcylindrica, which lives in semi-terrestrial habitats, has a large
extravascular water source and good cellular osmoregulatory capabilities. This
enables the crab to lose large amounts of water from its gill chamber to cool the
body during short-term desiccation without compromising cellular functions. The
deep, well-hydrated burrow is also an ideal refuge for Uca and prevents excessive
water loss (Wilkens and Fingerman, 1965; Smith and Miller, 1973; Wolcott, 1992).