Mud lobsters altered diversity and composition of soil microbiota
Mud lobsters (Thalassina spp.) play a significant role in shaping the soil microbiome in mangrove and coastal ecosystems. These burrowing crustaceans dig extensive networks of tunnels and mounds, which aerate the soil and bring nutrient-rich subsoil to the surface. This bioturbation activity alters the physical and chemical properties of the soil, influencing the diversity and composition of microbial communities.  By increasing soil aeration, mud lobsters promote the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi, which are important for nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Their burrows also provide microhabitats with varying moisture and oxygen levels, supporting diverse microbial populations. Additionally, the deposition of nutrient-rich materials from deeper soil layers encourages microbial activity, particularly in the breakdown of organic matter.  Mud lobsters indirectly contribute to carbon and nitrogen cycling by fostering microbial communities that regulate these processes. The turnover of organic material in the burrows accelerates the decomposition of plant matter, releasing nutrients that benefit surrounding vegetation. In this way, mud lobsters enhance soil fertility and maintain the ecological balance of mangrove ecosystems, with the microbiome playing a crucial role in these interactions.