Gastropod shells: A potentially limiting resource for hermit crabs

The availability of gastropod shells to hermit crabs in the Newport River Estuary, Beaufort, N.C. has been assessed by determining the numbers of usuable shells occurring in characteristic subtidal habitats and by measuring shell size adequacy. The proportion of useable shells occupied by hermit crabs ranged from 58–99 % and many of the shells not used by hermit crabs were judged unavailable because they were occupied by sipunculids or only uncovered by the dredge. The shell adequacy index (shell size occupied/shell size preferred) was significantly below 1.0 for the largest species (Pagurus pollicaris Say) in the one location where sufficient numbers were collected and for the next largest species (P. longicarpus Say) in three of the four locations where it was collected. The shell size adequacy index for the smallest species (P. annulipes Stimpson) did not differ significantly from 1.0 in either of the two locations in which it was found. These observations suggest that the availability of gastropod shells plays a significant rôle in limiting the abundance of at least the larger hermit crabs.     

Effects of shell stress on the growth of hermit crabs

Growth rates of the hermit crabs Pagurus longicarpus Say and P. pollicaris Say maintained in preferred shells and in shells smaller than the preferred size have been compared. Changes in wet weight, shield length, and duration of the molt cycle were determined. Crabs in preferred shells grew significantly faster than those in small shells. P. pollicaris molted at approximately the same rate in both cases but grew more each molt in preferred shells. Von Bertalanffy growth curves were fitted to changes in shield length among crabs in preferred shells. These curves indicate that P. longicarpus may mature four months after settling from the plankton and reach its asymptotic size within the next eight months while P. pollicaris also matures four months after leaving the plankton but does not reach its asymptotic size for approximately three years. The rapid growth of P. longicarpus may enable it to preempt shells which are required for the successful brooding of a large clutch before these shells are required by more aggressive competitors, such as P. pollicaris and Clibanarius vittatus.     

Effect of gastropod shell characteristics and hermit crabs on shell Epifauna

The epifauna on gastropod shells occupied by the hermit crabs Pagurus pollicaris (Say) and P. longicarpus (Say) was examined, as was the utilization of shells by these two hermit crabs. In the study area in Tampa Bay, Florida, shells were not a limiting factor to the hermit crab population, and there apparently was little competition for shells. Interspecific competition for shells was limited because the two hermit crab species differed in size and hence occupied shells of different sizes. The total number and density of most epifaunal species were higher on shells occupied by hermit crabs than on unoccupied shells, possibly because hermit crabs prevent their shells from being buried and hence lengthen the time the epifaunal community can grow and develop. The hermit crab species also appeared to affect the epifaunal community, for the total number and density of most epifaunal species were larger on shells occupied by P. pollicaris than P. longicarpus. With increasing shell size, the populations of most epifaunal species, also were larger but not their density. Least influential in affecting the epifaunal community was the species of shells.     

First-neighbor frequencies of satellite DNAs from Drosophila nasutoides and Pagurus pollicaris from an analysis of their circular dichroism spectra

From an analysis of their circular dichroism spectra, we find that the four (A + T)-rich satellite DNAs of Drosophila nasutoides have distributions of first-neighbor base paris that resemble those previously found for other (A + T)-rich Drosophila satellites. We also apply our spectral analysis procedure for the first time to two (G + C)-rich satellite DNAs, those from the hermit crab Pagurus pollicaris. We find that P. pollicaris satellite I cannot be accurately analyzed with our standard set of spectral components and that P. pollicaris satellite II appears to be much like the synthetic polymer poly[d(A-G-C-)·d(G-C-T)] in its first-neighbor content.     

Distribution of euphausiid and decapod larvae in the spring plankton of the southern Barents Sea

New data have been obtained on the spatial distribution of the early developmental stages of Malacostraca in the mesozooplankton of the southern Barents Sea. In spring 2007, the euphausiid stages with the highest abundance (over 80%) were eggs and nauplii. Decapod larvae were represented by zoeae of Paralithodes camtschaticus, Pagurus pubescens, and Hyas araneus; their abundance was at most 1.5% of total zooplankton abundance. The larvaton groups dominant by abundance were furciliae of Euphasiacea (14.5 ± 6.2 mg/m³) and zoeae of P. camtschaticus (32.7 ± 15.9 mg/m³). The size structure of larval hemipopulations was similar over the studied water area. Comparison with data on the larval body length obtained in other areas of the sea leads to a conclusion on the independence of the decapod groups of Eastern and Western Murman.     

Occurrence of an alternative pathway in the larval development of the crab Chasmagnathus granulata Dana, 1851 under laboratory conditions

Larvae of the crab Chasmagnathus granulata were collected in a salt marsh located in the Lagoa dos Patos, Brazil and reared from eclosion to metamorphosis under different dietary regimes. Larvae reared individually in beakers of 40 ml and fed Tetraselmis chuii (zoea III and zoea IV), showed a supplementary stage, here designated as zoea V, with morphological characteristics intermediary between zoea IV and megalopa. No zoeae V molted to megalopa stage. To confirm the occurrence of the supplementary stage, mass cultures of larvae of C. granulata were fed Artemia sp. at high densities, we again detected the fifth zoeal instar. However, when zoeae V were individually placed in beakers and fed Artemia nauplii, they succeeded in molting into megalopae. We observed the occurrence of two types of zoeae IV — a smaller type (from which originated the zoeae V) and a larger type (which directly developed into megalopae). We conclude that stressful nutritional/environmental conditions were responsible for the occurrence of this alternative path of development.     

The Morphology of the Mandibles in Zoea I Larvae of the Burrowing Shrimp Genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Upogebia</Emphasis> (Gebiidea) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nihonotrypaea</Emphasis> (Axiidea)

The mandibles in the first zoeal stage of five species of the burrowing shrimp genera Upogebia (infraorder Gebiidea) and Nihonotrypaea (infraorder Axiidea) have been examined by scanning electron microscopy. The general shape of the mandibles in Upogebia zoeae is similar to that in Anomura larvae; in Nihonotrypaea, it is intermediate between the mandibles of anomuran and caridean shrimp larvae. The asymmetry of the mandibles, which is more pronounced in Nihonotrypaea, is confirmed. Species-specific features of the structure of the incisor process are found in three Upogebia species, while two Nihonotrypaea species almost do not differ in the mandible structure in their zoea I larvae. The morphological features of the mandibles indicate differences in the diet of Upogebia and Nihonotrypaea larvae. Under natural conditions, zoea I of the studied Nihonotrypaea species may feed on diatoms, which should be taken into account when rearing these decapod larvae in the laboratory.     

Observations on the incidence and seasonal fluctuations of certain crustacean larvae in the plankton of the South-West Coast of India

The seasonal fluctuations in the incidence of planktonic organisms and the larval forms of certain crustaceans such as crabs, barnacles and post larvae of prawns in the plankton of the south-west coast of India have been followed for a period of three years from 1963. South-west monsoon period is the least productive period for zooplankton in this area. Brachyuran zoeae, post larvae of prawns and barnacle nauplii occur in the plankton throughout the year with distinct peaks for different groups. The zoeae ofUca annulipes occur in the plankton from September to May with a peak during November–December. The zoeae ofPortunus pelagicus are present in the plankton from September to June and their abundance is in February–March. The post larvae ofMetapenaeus affinis are found in the inshore plankton from November to June with the peak in March. The nauplii ofBalanus amphitrite communis occur in the plankton in all the months of the year, the peak incidence has been during November January. The zoeae ofU. annulipes are found to tolerate better the medium saline conditions. Of the ecological factors, salinity of the ambient water and the availability of planktonic food for the larvae seem to influence the seasonal fluctuations of these crustacean larvae in this locality.     

Chemical recognition by hermit crabs of their symbiotic sea anemones and a predatory octopus

The ability of the hermit crabs Dardanus venosus and Pagurus pollicaris to recognize chemically their symbiotic sea anemone Calliactis tricolor and a common octopus predator, Octopus joubini, were studied. The crabs were tested for chemoreceptive responses using a Y-trough olfactometer, which prevented visual cues from being used. Choice tests showed that D. venosus could chemically detect Calliactis. If, however, D. venosus had a Calliactis on its shell at the time of the trial, it could not detect the test anemone. P. pollicaris (without a symbiotic anemone) did not locate the test anemone. Both species of crab avoided a water current carrying octopus chemical cues. Chemoreception may play an important role in the interaction of a hermit crab with its symbiotic anemone and an octopus predator.     

Gastropod shells: A dynamic resource that helps shape benthic community structure

Empty gastropod shells are an important resource for many animals in shallow benthic marine communities. Shells provide shelter for hermit crabs, octopuses, and fishes, provide attachment substratum for hermit crab symbionts, and directly or indirectly modify hermit crab predation. Creation of an empty shell due to predation of one gastropod on another and acquisition of that shell by a hermit crab are two key events in the subsequent use of that shell. Shells of different gastropod species and the species of hermit crab acquiring them affect the symbiont complement that attaches to the shell, which in turn may affect future shell use by other symbionts. Certain shell types worn by the hermit crab, Pagurus pollicaris Say, are positively associated with the symbiotic sea anemone, Calliactis tricolor (Lesueur), which protects the hermit crab from predation by the crab, Calappa flammea (Herbst), and possibly from the octopus, Octopus joubini Robson. Shells of other species of gastropods are resistant to being crushed by the spiny lobster, Panulirusargus (Latreille). The inter-and intraspecific interactions centered on the gastropod shell are termed a “habitat web.” The potential of the shell to limit the size and distribution of animal populations demonstrates how this resource helps shape community structure.     

The effect of temperature on phototaxis and geotaxis by larvae of the crab Rhithropanopeus harrisi (Gould)

Investigations of the effect of sudden temperature change on the phototaxis of Stage I and IV zoeae upon stimulation from horizontal and vertical directions with 500-nm light indicate a temperature-induced geotactic response in larvae of the crab Rhithropanopeus harrisi (Gould). For the horizontal tests both zoea stages were reared at 20 °C. Stage I showed positive phototaxis at temperatures between 15 ° and 35 °C, while Stage IV responded over the range of 10–30 °C. For the vertical tests, larvae, reared at 25 °C, were stimulated with overhead lights. Stage I zoeae ascended at 15 °, 20 ° and 25 °C and descended at 5 °, 10 °, 30 ° and 35 °C. Stage IV zoeae ascended at 20 ° and 25 °C and descended at 5 °, 10 °, 15 °, 30 ° and 35 °C. Although the descent at high temperatures could result from a negative phototaxis, a reversal in phototactic sign at high temperatures was not found in the horizontal experiments and the same vertical movement pattern is observed in total darkness. Upon exposure to high temperatures near the water surface, larvae would descend by means of a positive geotaxis rather than a negative phototaxis. This response involves active swimming by Stage IV larvae and passive sinking by Stage I.     

Three species of Lagenidiales isolated from the eggs and zoeae of the marine crabPortunus pelagicus

Three species of Lagenidiales were isolated from the eggs and zoeae of the marine crabPortunus pelagicus. One of them,Lagenidium callinectes, is reported for the first time in Japan, with fungal infection in the eggs.Haliphthoros milfordensis was discovered from a zoea of the crab.Atkinsiella okinawaensis was also isolated from a zoea of the crab and described as a new species. Growth temperature range and optimum temperature of the fungi were examined. All of the isolates grew at various concentrations of NaCl or KCl, and optimum growth was observed on PYGS agar containing seawater. Pathogenicity to zoeae of the swimming crabPortunus trituberculatus was demonstrated by using a zoospore suspension of each fungus at 25°C.     

Methodical aspects of rearing decapod larvae,Pagurus bernhardus (Paguridae) andCarcinus maenas (Portunidae)

Improved methods for experimental rearing ofPagurus bernhardus andCarcinus maenas larvae are presented. Isolated maintenance was found essential for reliable statistical evaluation of results obtained from stages older than zoea-1. Only by isolated rearing is it possible to calculate mean values ±95% confidence intervals of stage duration. Mean values (without confidence intervals) can only be given for group-reared larvae if mortality is zero. Compared to group rearing, isolated rearing led to better survival, shorter periods of development and stimulated growth. Due to different swimming behaviorP. bernhardus zoeae needed larger water volumes thanCarcinus maenas larvae.P. bernhardus zoeae were reared with best results when isolated in Petri dishes (ca. 50 ml). They fed on newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia spp.).P. bernhardus megalopa did not require any gastropod shell or substratum; it developed best in glass vials without any food.C. maenas larvae could be reared most sucessfully in glass vials (ca 20 ml) under a simulated day-night regime (LD 16:8); constant darkness had a detrimental effect on development, leading to prolonged stage-duration times.C. maenas larvae were fed a mixture of newly hatched brine shrimp naupli and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis).     

Yolk energy utilization in Macrobrachium nobilii (Henderson & Mathai)

Energy content of Macrobrachium nobilii (Henderson & Mathai) is 0.19 cal in a freshly laid egg, 0.14 cal in a freshly hatched zoea, and 0.09 cal in an 8-day-old non-feeding zoea. These values indicate that the yolk is utilized with an efficiency of 74%, and that yolk equivalent to 0.1 cal is provided in an egg to meet embryonic and larval metabolism. The high yolk utilization efficiency and the high calorific content of the freshly hatched zoeae (5753 cal/g dry wt) are considered as adaptations to larval migration.     

Ontogenetic changes in biochemical composition during larval and early postlarval development of Lepidophthalmus louisianensis, a ghost shrimp with abbreviated development

Changes in growth and biochemical composition during the transition from egg through zoea to decapodid in the ghost shrimp, Lepidophthalmus louisianensis (Schmitt, 1935), were documented in terms of dry weight, lipid classes, fatty acid composition, and carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios. Larvae of the ghost shrimp were mass-reared in the laboratory (28°C; 20‰ S) from hatching to the decapodid stage. Iatroscan lipid class analysis revealed that major lipid classes in recently produced eggs were phospholipids (80.8±1.3%) and triglycerides (16.0±1.1%), which decreased during the incubation period. Polar lipids (zoea I: 77.4±1.7%; zoea II: 77.5±2.1%; decapodid: 80.0±1.7%) and neutral lipids, of which free fatty acids (zoea I: 10.5±2.7%; zoea II: 13.1±5.2%; decapodid: 7.8±2.1%) were dominant, represented the major lipid classes in the zoeal and decapodid stages. Triglycerides were present in small amounts. The predominant fatty acids of L. louisianensis eggs, zoeae and decapodids were palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0), eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3), oleic (18:1ω9), and arachidonic (20:4ω6). Elemental composition of eggs, larvae, and the decapodid stage revealed conspicuous changes in the C:N ratio, with N being relatively stable during larval development but C decreasing during the decapodid stage. These data suggest independence of newly hatched L. louisianensis on external energy resources. This combined with the ability to incorporate saturated fatty acids into polar lipids provides a selective advantage for fast development of new tissue and growth, characteristic of decapod crustacean larvae with lecithotrophic development.     

Morphological and behavioral antipredatory adaptations of decapod zoeae

Summary Zoeae of some species of estuarine decapods are retained in the estuary throughout development while others are exported into nearshore coastal waters. The horizontal migrations of decapod zoeae to coastal waters may have evolved to reduce the probability of encountering planktivorous fishes which are most abundant in the estuary. If so, then the morphological vulnerability of zoeae to fish predation should be inversely related to the number of predators occurring where they develop. Six species of estuarine decapod zoeae were offered to Menidia menidia and Fundulus heteroclitus. The behavioral interactions were observed to determine the prey's vulnerability to predation, and the mode of operation and relative effectiveness of their defenses. Feeding trials and behavioral observations both demonstrated that M. menidia 6–16 mm long preferred Uca minax and Callinectes sapidus zoeae, which are exported from the estuary, to Rhithropanopeus harrisii, Sesarma reticulatum and Palaemonetes pugio, which are retained within estuaries. Pinnotheres ostreum zoeae develop in the lower estuary and fish demonstrated an intermediate preference for the zoeae. Menidia menidia 20–40 mm long showed similar preferences for R. harrisii S. reticulatum, P. ostreum and U. minax as did small silversides. Large-mouthed demersal fish, Fundulus heteroclitus 6–10 mm long, also preferred U. minax to R. harrisii, but more readily preyed on zoeae than did M. menidia. The exported species of zoeae have shorter spines and smaller bodies than do retained zoeae, except P. ostreum which is small, spineless and passively sinks when attacked by fish. Other retained species of zoeae also have postcontact behavioral defenses which enhance the effectiveness of their morphological defenses. Zoeae do not evade attacks by fishes, but fishes quickly learned to avoid zoeae, which increases the effectiveness of the zoeae's antipredatory adaptations.     

Differential thermal tolerance and energetic trajectories during ontogeny in porcelain crabs,genus Petrolisthes

Thermal tolerance limits of marine intertidal zone organisms are elevated compared to subtidal species, but are typically just slightly higher than maximal habitat temperatures. The small thermal safety margins maintained by intertidal zone organisms suggest that high thermal tolerance is associated with a physiological cost. If true, we hypothesize that species that transition between intertidal zone and planktonic habitats during ontogeny, will adjust their thermal tolerance accordingly to capitalize upon potential energy savings while in a thermally benign habitat. We tested this hypothesis in porcelain crabs that transition between the thermally stressful, intertidal zone as embryos, to the thermally benign pelagic zone as larvae, and back at settlement. We found the more thermally tolerant, mid-intertidal zone species, Petrolisthes cinctipes, and the less thermally tolerant, subtidal zone species, Petrolisthes manimacilis, exhibited reduced thermal tolerance (LT₅₀) in the transition from embryos to larvae. This was associated with an increased oxygen consumption rate in both species, though P. cinctipes exhibited a significantly greater increase in oxygen consumption. P. cinctipes also showed an increase in thermal tolerance in settled juveniles compared to pelagic zoea I larvae, resulting in an overall V-shaped thermal tolerance relationship during ontogeny, while in P. manimaculis thermal tolerance was significantly lower in juveniles compared to zoea I. In neither species were these changes (zoea I to juvenile) associated with a significant change in metabolism. While embryos and juveniles of P. cinctipes have thermal tolerance limits near intertidal habitat thermal maxima (∼32.5 °C), all three life-history stages in P. manimaculis (especially embryos and larvae) exhibit considerable thermal safety margins. The mechanisms underlying this “excess” thermal tolerance in P. manimacilis embryos are unknown, but suggest that patterns of thermal tolerance in early life history stages are species-specific.     

Physiological responses of the early zoeal stages of Palaemon pandaliformis Stimpson and Palaemon northropi (Rankin) to salinity variation

The effect of salinity variation (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35S) on survival, moulting and respiratory metabolism of the early zoeal stages of the shrimps Palaemon pandaliformis and P. northropi from the northern coast of the State of São Paulo, Brazil is investigated. Freshly hatched larvae were maintained at 20 °C, in each salinity for a maximum of seven days. Oxygen consumption measurements were made at 20 °C for each salinity using Cartesian diver microrespirometers. In 0S, all P. northropi zoeae died after 24 h while 24% of the P. pandaliformis zoeae survived until 4 days. Zoeae of both species survived poorly in 7S, the best survival for the two species (90%) being registered in 28%.S. Palaemon northropi zoeae did not survive 35S while 45% survival was recorded for P. pandaliformis zoeae in this medium after seven days. Moulting did not occur in zoeae of either species in 0%.S, nor in P. northropi in 7S. The metabolism-salinity curve for P. pandaliformis zoea I is very stable over the range 0–21S while that for P. northropi exhibits complete salinity independence from 21–35 S. Thus, while the early zoeal stages, at least, are conspecific, both developing in the same environment as part of the coastal zooplankton community, they clearly maintain distinct physiological characteristics. The data presented possibly reflect genetic adaptations to the adult biotope already manifested in the first zoeae.     

The accumulation of age pigments during larval development of the spider crab,Hyas araneus (Decapoda,Majidae)

• 1.1. Lipofuscin, body carbon and respiration rates were measured in Hyas araneus from hatching to metamorphosis. Lipofuscin was measured spectrofluorometrically from the chloroform phase of chloroform/methanol extracts.
• 2.2. Excitation/emission spectra of both the chloroform and the methanol/aqueous phase showed one distinct fluorescence peak in the chloroform (410–415 nm emission/340–350 nm excitation) and the methanol/aqueous phase (405/350 nm) of zoea I (directly after hatching) and megalopa (0 and 24 days old).
• 3.3. Individual lipofuscin concentrations increased continuously during zoea I and halfway through zoea II, but remained constant through the entire megalopa despite high metabolic activity in this stage.
• 4.4. Individual lipofuscin concentrations were positively correlated with body carbon and carbonspecific lipofuscin was negatively correlated.
• 5.5. Moulting caused considerable loss of lipofuscin. During the first two larval ecdyses 17–18% were lost, with the shed moults containing only 3.4–4.5% of the lipofuscin found in late premoult individuals.
• 6.6. The different patterns of lipofuscin accumulation in respective larval stages is discussed in regard to mitotic activity of tissues. While in the zoea, growth is more related to lipid formation and biomass accumulation, in the megalopa morphogenetic processes require substantial epidermal growth, i.e. protein accumulation. However, the question why in the megalopa no increase in lipofuscin is found, remains unanswered.

     

Determination of Key Environmental Factors Responsible for Distribution Patterns of Fiddler Crabs in a Tropical Mangrove Ecosystem

In tropical regions, different species of fiddler crabs coexist on the mangrove floor, which sometimes makes it difficult to define species-specific habitat by visual inspection. The aim of this study is to find key environmental parameters which affect the distribution of fiddler crabs and to determine the habitats in which each species was most abundant. Crabs were collected from 19 sites within the mudflats of Sepang-Lukut mangrove forest. Temperature, porewater salinity, organic matter, water content, carbon and nitrogen content, porosity, chlorophyll content, pH, redox potential, sediment texture and heavy metals were determined in each 1 m² quadrate. Pearson correlation indicated that all sediment properties except pH and redox potential were correlated with sediment grain size. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that Uca paradussumieri was negatively correlated with salinity and redox potential. Sand dwelling species, Uca perplexa and Uca annulipes, were highly dependent on the abundance of 250 μm and 150 μm grain size particles in the sediment. Canonical Discriminative Analysis (CDA) indicated that variation in sediment grain size best explained where each crab species was most abundant. Moreover, U. paradussumieri commonly occupies muddy substrates of low shore, while U. forcipata lives under the shade of mangrove trees. U. annulipes and U. perplexa with the high number of spoon tipped setae on their second maxiliped are specialized to feed on the sandy sediments. U. rosea and U. triangularis are more common on muddy sediment with high sediment density. In conclusion, sediment grain size that influences most sediment properties acts as a main factor responsible for sediment heterogeneity. In this paper, the correlation between fiddler crab species and environmental parameters, as well as the interaction between sediment characteristics, was explained in order to define the important environmental factors in fiddler crab distributions.