People | Charles E. Epifanio

My research focuses on the biology of marine larvae and early juveniles. I am particularly interested in the physical and biological factors that drive year-to-year variation in populations of ecologically and commercially important fish and crustaceans. My work involves a combination of field observation, laboratory experimentation, and mathematical modeling.

Ecology of non-indigenous crab species in the Middle Atlantic Bight.

Our work investigates processes that control the establishment and spread of invasive crab species in coastal and estuarine habitats.  Present studies focus on the Asian shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) and the Chinese mitten crab (Eriochier sinensis) and include laboratory experiments, field surveys, and mathematical modeling.  One area of particular interest concerns vertical migration of mitten crab larvae and its effect on transport of larvae by ambient currents.  This investigation includes laboratory studies of vertical swimming behavior and mathematical simulations of consequent larval transport.  Additional work concentrates on the resurgence of native crab species in areas that had previously been colonized by invasive populations of Asian shore crabs.  These studies incorporate high-frequency measurements of larval settlement in habitats where invasive and native species co-occur, as well as intensive surveys of changes in the relative abundance of these species over time.

Ana I. Dittel, Research Scientist (Ph.D., Oceanography and M.S., Marine Studies, University of Delaware). Research Interests: Larval biology; recruitment dynamics; tropical biology

Corey Schab, M.S. student (B.A., Biology, Whittier College, Whittier, California).  Research Interests: Population dynamics of co-occurring species of invasive and native crab species.

Epifanio, C.E.  2013.  Invasion biology of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus: A review.  J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 441:33-49.

Tilberg, C.E., A.I. Dittel, D.C. Miller, and C.E. Epifanio.  2011. Transport and retention of the mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in a Mid-Atlantic estuary: Predictions from a larval transport model. J. Mar. Res. 69:137-165.

Steinberg, M.K. and C.E. Epifanio. 2011. Three's a crowd: Space competition among three species of intertidal shore crabs in the genus Hemigrapsus. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 404:57-62.

Anderson, J.A. and C.E. Epifanio. 2010. Mating and sperm storage of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus. J. Shellf. Res. 29:497-501.

Anderson, J.A. and C.E. Epifanio. 2010. Response of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus to a water-soluble metamorphic cue under natural field conditions. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 384:87-90.

Krimsky, L.S. and C.E. Epifanio. 2010. Growth of juvenile stone crabs, Menippe mercenaria, reared in the laboratory. J. Crust. Biol. 30:336-338.

Anderson, J.A., M. Valentine, and C.E. Epifanio. 2009. Characterization of the conspecific metamorphic cue for Hemigrapsus sanguineus (De Haan).  J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 382:139-144.

Anderson, J.A. and C.E. Epifanio. 2009. Induction of metamorphosis in the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus: characterization of the cue associated with biofilm from adult habitat. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 382:34-39.

Houser, L.T. and C.E. Epifanio. 2009. Impacts of biochemical cues on horizontal swimming behavior of individual crab larvae. Mar. Freshw. Behav. Phy. 42:249-264.

Dittel, A.I. and C.E. Epifanio. 2009. Invasion biology of the Chinese mitten crab Eriochier sinensis: A brief review. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 374:79-92.

Tilburg, C.E., A.I. Dittel, and C.E. Epifanio. 2009. High concentrations of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) larvae along the offshore edge of a coastal current: effects of convergent circulation. Fish. Oceanogr. 18:135-146.

Krimsky, L.S. and C.E. Epifanio. 2008. Multiple cues from multiple habitats: Effect on metamorphosis of the Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 358:178-184. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2008.02.010.

Steinberg, M.K., L.S. Krimsky, and C.E. Epifanio.  2008.  Induction of metamorphosis in the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus: effects of biofilms and substratum texture.  Estuaries and Coasts 31:738-744.

Tilburg, C.E., C.D. Kernehan, A.U. Andon, and C.E. Epifanio.  2008.  Modeling estuarine ingress of blue crab megalopae: Effects of temporal patterns in larval release.  J. Mar. Res. 66:391-412.

Dittel, A.I., G. Perovich, and C.E. Epifanio.  2008.  Biology of the vent crab Bythograea thermydron: a brief review.  J. Shellf. Res. 27:66-77.

Steinberg, M.K., C.E. Epifanio, and A.U. Andon.  2007. A highly specific chemical cue for the metamorphosis of the Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 347:1-7.

Tilburg, C.E., A.I. Dittel, and C.E. Epifanio. 2007. Retention of crab larvae in a coastal null zone. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 72:570-578.

Epifanio, C.E. 2007. Biology of larvae. In V.S. Kennedy and L.E. Cronin, eds. The Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus. Maryland Sea Grant, College Park, MD. pp. 513-533.

Steppe, C.N. and C.E. Epifanio. 2006. Synoptic distribution of crab larvae near the mouth of Delaware Bay: influence of nearshore hydrographic regimes. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 70:654-662.

Dittel, A.I., C.E. Epifanio, and M.L. Fogel. 2006. Trophic relationships of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in estuarine habitats. Hydrobiologia 568:379-390.

Tilburg, C.E., L.T. Houser, C.N. Steppe, R.W. Garvine, and C.E. Epifanio. 2006. Effects of coastal transport on larval patches: Models and observations. Esturaine, Coastal and Shelf Science 67:145-160.

Dittel, A.I., C.E. Epifanio, and G. Perovich. 2005. Food sources for the early life history stages of the hydrothermal vent crab Bythograea thermydron: a stable isotope approach . Hydrobiologia. 544:339-346.

Park, S., C.E. Epifanio, and R.B. Iglay. 2005. Patterns of larval release by the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus  (de Haan): Periodicity at diel and tidal frequencies. J. Shellf. Res. 24:591-596.

Petrone, C.J., L. B. Jancaitis, M.B. Jones, C.C. Natunewicz, C.E. Tilburg, and C.E. Epifanio. 2005. Dynamics of larval patches: spatial distribution of fiddler crab larvae in Delaware Bay and adjacent waters. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 293:177-190.

Jones, M.B. and C.E. Epifanio. 2005. Patches of crab megalopae in the mouth of Delaware Bay: An analysis of spatial scales. J. Shellfish Res. 24:261-267.

Park, S., C.E. Epifanio, and E.K. Grey. 2004. Behavior of larval Hemigrapsus sanguineus (de Haan) in response to gravity and pressure. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 307:197-206.

Dr. Julie Anderson, Ph.D., 2009, Assistant Professor, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Dr. Mia Steinberg, Ph.D., 2008, Postdoctoral Fellow, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC

Dr. Lisa Krimsky, Ph.D., 2008, Miami-Dade County Extension Agent, Florida Sea Grant, Miami, FL

Ms. Colleen Kernehan, M.S., 2006, Associate Scientist, Environmental Consulting Services, Inc. 100 South Cass St., Middletown, DE

Dr. Letise Houser, Ph.D., 2005, Government Relations Manager and Education Coordinator, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Silver Spring, MD

Dr. Susan Park, Ph.D., 2004, Assistant Director for Research, Viriginia Sea Grant, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA

Ms. Lauren Stulgis (Jancaitis), M.S., 2003. Enrollment Services Coordinator, Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC

Dr. M. Brandon Jones, Ph.D., 2003. Fellowship Programs Manager, National Center for Environmental Research, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC

Ms. Christine Tallamy, M.S., 2003, Research Associate, Oceanic Institute, Hawai'i Pacific University, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy., Waimanalo, HI

Mr. Christopher Petrone, M.S., 2002, Marine Education Specialist, Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, Lewes, DE

Ms. Gina Perovich, M.S., 2001, Program Manager, Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Research, 1025 F Street, Washington, DC

Ms. Carrie Y. (Kopin) Cunnane, M.S., 2001, Graduate Biologist, URS Corporation, Fort Washington, PA

Dr. Cecily (Natunewicz) Steppe, Ph.D., 2000, Associate Professor, U.S. Naval Academy, 121 Blake Rd., Annapolis, MD