Intraspecific competition and aggression for shells in the hermit crab Pagurus samuel1s |
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| Authors: | Matthew D. Absher Harman V.S. Peeke Ernest S. Chang Mark J. Snyder |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Bodega Marine Laboratory , University of California‐Davis , P.O. Box 247, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, USA;2. Department of Psychiatry , University of California‐San Francisco , Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 95431, USA;3. Bodega Marine Laboratory , P.O. Box 247, 2099 Westside Road, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, USA Phone: 707–875–1964 Fax: 707–875–1964 E-mail: mjsnyder@ucdavis.edu |
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| Abstract: | Many studies have investigated shell‐related behaviour in hermit crabs. Few studies, however, have focused specifically on the intraspecies aggression associated with shell competition. We examined intraspecies aggression in hermit crab (Pagurus samuelis) pairs as it relates to competition for a limiting resource, gastropod shells. Pairs of hermit crabs were observed in the laboratory in four different treatments that varied the presence or absence of shells for one or both of the crabs. Measurements of the latency to respond, the number of bouts, and the fight durations were recorded. There was a significant difference among treatments for all three measurements, and naked hermit crabs were much more aggressive than housed hermit crabs. There was no significant difference in aggression between males and females in any of the three treatments. The heightened aggression observed in naked P. samuelis is likely in service of acquiring a protective shell. |
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| Keywords: | Aggression Hermit crab Pagurus samuelis Shell use |
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