In order to analyze the distribution and size of morphological maturation of Persephona lichtensteinii Leach, 1817 and P. punctata (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Ilhéus coast, Bahia, Brazil, monthly collections were performed between January and December 2004 in three locations in the Ilhéus coast: Olivença, Pontal and São Domingos. The distribution and sexual maturity results of P. punctata and P. lichtensteinii show different reproductive strategies and habitat selection among these species in Ilhéus coast. We captured 183 individuals of P. lichtensteinii and 58 individuals of P. punctata. Both species occurred in all stations and sampling sites. However, we found differences in the distribution of species. Persephona lichtensteinii was more abundant in Olivença and P. punctata was recorded mostly in São Domingos. Both were most abundant in autumn. The size at onset of maturity (W50), was estimated as 22.1 mm in males and 21.4 mm in females of P. lichtensteinii. For P. punctata the W50 in males was estimated at 27.6 mm and for females as 25.5 mm. Although no evident difference was observed in W5 between males and females, the species showed a notable difference between them.

Key words: Decapoda, reproductive strategies, crab.