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Synopsis "Taxonomic account. Distribution pattern and habitat ecology of 51 species of brachyuran crabs belonging to 33 genera under 10 families is presented in the paper. Each species is illustrated with photographs and text-figures. In addition, key to the families, genera and species is provided to facilitate identification of mangrove dwelling crabs of India in general and Andaman Islands in particular. Distribution pattern of these crabs reveals that 44 species occur throughout the Indo-Pacific, 7 species are confined to the Indian Ocean and 3 species are reported for the first time from India. Breeding pattern of 18 species of crabs belonging to 12 genera under 8 families is also included in the paper. Role of important environmental parameters, such as, temperature, rainfall, salinity, food availability and lunar productivity is also discussed in the light of recent findings."