CRUSTACEA DECAPODA ASSOCIATED WITH BRACHIDONTES PHARAONIS (P. FISCHER, 1870) (MOLLUSCA, BIVALVIA) BEDS FROM THE LEVANTINE COASTS OF TURKEY

The spatial distribution of the decapod crustacean fauna associated with Brachidontes pharaonis (Mollusca, Bivalvia) beds from the Levantine coasts of Turkey was studied in September 2005. Triplicate samples were collected by means of a quadrate sampler covering 400 cm(2) at nine intertidal stations located between Iskenderun Bay and Antalya Bay. A total of 13 species, represented by 61 individuals was identified. Among these, Pachygrapsus marmoratus was the most dominant species represented with 19 individuals. P. marmoratus and Pilumnus hirtellus were the most frequent decapod species on the mussel beds with 25.9% occurrence.