池塘养殖中华绒螯蟹二龄雄体生长、性腺发育和第二性征的变化

为进一步了解中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)2龄雄体在池塘养殖条件下的生长发育规律,本研究采用养殖实验、活体解剖和显微观察方法,首先研究了池塘养殖过程中二龄雄体的生长、性腺指数(GSI)、肝胰腺指数(HSI)和第二性征(主要包括大螯绒毛长度及其覆盖比例)的变化情况,并探讨了这些指标间的相关性,其次,对成熟雄体的生殖系统外观和组成进行了拍照和描述。结果显示:(1)池塘养殖条件下中华绒螯蟹2龄雄体的体重、甲壳长、甲壳宽和体厚增长主要发生在3~8月,其中4~5月间的增重率和特定增长率最高,9~12月间的体重和形态学参数增长均不显著;肥满度总体上呈先下降后上升的趋势。(2)2龄雄体池塘养殖早期性腺发育较慢,3~5月肉眼很难发现,6月份生精区已经清晰可见,7~11月份性腺指数显著增加,7月份部分个体储精囊中已有精荚,8月份副性腺体积开始迅速增加,整体上,肝胰腺指数(HSI)和性腺指数(GSI)呈显著负相关,而性腺指数(GSI)与生殖蜕壳前的雄体体重及月份均呈显著正相关。(3)2龄雄体的大螯绒毛长度及其内侧绒毛覆盖比例在4~8月呈显著增长趋势,其余月份增加不显著,绒毛长度与覆盖比例、绒毛长度与体重、绒毛覆盖比例与体重、绒毛长度与性腺指数、绒毛覆盖比例与性腺指数都呈显著正相关。(4)2龄成熟雄体的生殖系统由体内和体外两大部分构成,体内部分主要包括精巢、输精管(分为前、中、后三个部分)、副性腺和射精管,输精管后端储存着大量精荚,体外部分主要由阴茎和交接器组成。综上,池塘养殖中华绒螯蟹2龄雄体的生长、性腺发育与其第二性征关系密切,雄体生殖系统组成复杂,今后需要深入研究雄体的性腺发育规律和分期。     

池塘养殖中华绒螯蟹二龄雄体生长、性腺发育和第二性征的变化研究

为进一步了解中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)2龄雄体在池塘养殖条件下的生长发育规律,本研究采用养殖实验、活体解剖和显微观察方法,首先研究了池塘养殖过程中二龄雄体的生长、性腺指数(GSI)、肝胰腺指数(HSI)和第二性征(主要包括大螯绒毛长度及其覆盖比例)的变化情况,并探讨了这些指标间的相关性,其次,对成熟雄体的生殖系统外观和组成进行了拍照和描述.结果显示:(1)池塘养殖条件下中华绒螯蟹2龄雄体的体重、甲壳长、甲壳宽和体厚增长主要发生在3～8月,其中4～5月间的增重率和特定增长率最高,9～12月间的体重和形态学参数增长均不显著;肥满度总体上呈先下降后上升的趋势.(2)2龄雄体池塘养殖早期性腺发育较慢,3～5月肉眼很难发现,6月份生精区已经清晰可见,7～11月份性腺指数显著增加,7月份部分个体储精囊中已有精荚,8月份副性腺体积开始迅速增加,整体上,肝胰腺指数(HSI)和性腺指数(GSI)呈显著负相关,而性腺指数(GSI)与生殖蜕壳前的雄体体重及月份均呈显著正相关.(3)2龄雄体的大螯绒毛长度及其内侧绒毛覆盖比例在4～8月呈显著增长趋势,其余月份增加不显著,绒毛长度与覆盖比例、绒毛长度与体重、绒毛覆盖比例与体重、绒毛长度与性腺指数、绒毛覆盖比例与性腺指数都呈显著正相关.(4)2龄成熟雄体的生殖系统由体内和体外两大部分构成,体内部分主要包括精巢、输精管(分为前、中、后三个部分)、副性腺和射精管,输精管后端储存着大量精荚,体外部分主要由阴茎和交接器组成.综上,池塘养殖中华绒螯蟹2龄雄体的生长、性腺发育与其第二性征关系密切,雄体生殖系统组成复杂,今后需要深入研究雄体的性腺发育规律和分期.     

稻田网箱养殖辽河水系中华绒螯蟹幼蟹的个体生长

本实验在室外网箱内监测辽河水系中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)幼蟹阶段个体生长发育的每一次蜕壳生长情况。2013年实验选取雄蟹和雌蟹各200只,记录了每个蜕壳阶段雌蟹和雄蟹的生长,包括壳长、壳宽、总重和蜕壳间隔时长(d),并且观察雌蟹和雄蟹形态特征的变化。实验共进行111 d,幼蟹共蜕壳11次。实验结束时,雄蟹剩余34只,雌蟹剩余42只;雄蟹的特定生长率为(7.176 5±0.168 4)%/d,雌蟹的特定生长率为(7.283 3±0.174 3)%/d;雌蟹生长蜕壳过程中腹部的形态变化大,腹部由三角形变成卵圆形;雄蟹在生长蜕壳过程中螯足的增长明显较雌蟹快,并且在本实验最后一次即第11次蜕壳后螯足腹面内侧出现1小撮绒毛,外侧也出现少量绒毛,但不易被发现。     

低盐度海水和淡水对中华绒螯蟹性腺发育及交配行为的影响

研究了低盐度海水(盐度为15)和淡水(盐度为0)对中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis,以下简称河蟹)性腺发育及交配行为的影响,并比较了河蟹交配和产卵前后的性腺指数及肝胰腺指数的变化。实验分为4组,分别为低盐度海水雌蟹组、淡水雌蟹组、低盐度海水雄蟹组和淡水雄蟹组。结果表明,(1)各组河蟹的成活率均在80%左右,无显著差异(P>0.05);(2)实验第15天、30天和45天时,低盐度海水雌蟹组的卵巢指数显著高于淡水雌蟹组(P<0.05),低盐度海水雄蟹组的性腺指数也略高于淡水雄蟹组,但差异不显著(P>0.05);(3)实验第30天时,低盐度海水雌蟹组的肝胰腺指数显著低于淡水雌蟹组(P<0.05),其余采样时间两组雌体间或两组雄体间的肝胰腺指数差异不显著(P>0.05),实验期间,两组雌体的肝胰腺指数均显著下降(P<0.05);(4)实验第45天,低盐度海水雌蟹组和雄蟹组实验个体全部能够交配,有66.7%的低盐度海水雌蟹组的个体交配后2 d内产卵,淡水雄蟹组有部分个体在低盐度海水中有发情行为;(5)低盐度海水组,雌蟹产卵后和雄蟹交配后的性腺指数均显著下降(P<0.05),但肝胰腺指数下降不显著(P>0.05)。     

两种方式对红螯螯虾同步产卵影响的研究

对红螯螯虾采取雌雄分养和烫伤雌虾单侧眼柄两种方法进行处理,研究其对红螯螯虾卵巢发育和产卵率的影响,进而判断对同步产卵的影响。结果显示,雌雄分开放养对雌虾性腺发育有促进作用,其性腺指数显著高于幼虾刚离体的雌虾和试验结束时未产卵的雌虾,而肝胰腺指数低于试验初的雌虾,但14 d的单放时间偏长;单养14 d组和烫伤单侧眼柄组的产卵率分别为35%和50%,小于对照组(75%);雌虾交配前不需要蜕壳;幼虾离体的雌虾不再次交配也可以产卵,但不一定能孵出苗。研究表明,雌雄分养和烫伤雌虾单侧眼柄对于刚理出的产空雌虾的同步产卵促进作用不明显,生产上对于幼虾离体后的雌虾应立即雌雄配组。     

三种饵料模式对中华绒螯蟹蟹种早期养殖性能、非特异免疫性能及抗病力的影响

为评估不同投喂模式对中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)蟹种质量的影响,采用养殖实验、非特异性免疫指标分析和攻毒实验方法,比较了配合饲料、传统饵料和混合投喂模式培育扣蟹在成蟹养殖早期的养殖性能、免疫性能和攻毒后死亡率的变化。所检测的非特异性免疫指标包括碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、γ-谷氨酰转移酶(γ-GT)、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、酚氧化酶(PO)、过氧化物酶(POD)、丙二醛(MDA)、一氧化氮(NO)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)及血蓝蛋白(Hc)活性或含量。采用毒力较强的嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophilia)Y-2-L-1菌株进行攻毒实验。结果显示:(1)无论雄蟹还是雌蟹,配合饲料组第一次蜕壳间期均短于传统投喂和混合投喂模式,且配合饲料组增重率(WGR)及体重特定增长率(SGR)均显著高于另外两组(P0.05);(2)就肝胰腺中非特异性免疫指标而言,无论雄蟹还是雌蟹,配合饲料组γ-谷氨酰转移酶(γ-GT)、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性均高于另外两组,其中γ-谷氨酰转移酶(γ-GT)差异显著;传统投喂组酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、丙二醛(MDA)、一氧化氮(NO)和过氧化物酶(POD)含量均高于另外两组,其中酸性磷酸酶(ACP)和一氧化氮(NO)含量差异显著;(3)就血清中各免疫指标而言,配合饲料组谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)活性高于另外两组,但差异均不显著(P0.05),传统投喂组碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、丙二醛(MDA)及血蓝蛋白(Hc)等指标含量均高于另外两组,其中丙二醛(MDA)差异显著;(4)无论雄蟹还是雌蟹,传统投喂组扣蟹攻毒后12~96 h的累计死亡率一直高于配合饲料组和混合投喂组,配合饲料组和混合投喂组雄体攻毒后的累计死亡率接近,混合投喂组雌体累计死亡率居于传统投喂组和配合饲料组之间。综上,投喂配合饲料可以提高扣蟹在成蟹早期的养殖性能、免疫性能和攻毒后的成活率,有利于提高蟹种质量。     

中华绒螯蟹蜕壳生长及其与相关基因表达的关联分析

蜕壳是甲壳动物常见的生长发育现象,但对调控蜕壳与生长的内在机制尚缺乏足够了解。本研究在室内条件下,对中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)一个蜕壳周期内的个体蜕壳与生长现象进行了连续观察,分析了2个蜕壳相关基因,即蜕皮激素受体基因(Ec R)和维甲类X受体基因(RXR),以及1个生长相关基因肌肉生长抑制素基因(MSTN)的表达及其与生长性状的相关性。结果发现,中华绒螯蟹在蜕壳后会出现一个跳跃式生长期,之后进入了一个缓慢持续上升过程,当营养物质积累到一定程度(肥满度达60%左右时)时启动下一次蜕壳;MSTN基因的表达与壳长(r=﹣0.450,P0.05)、壳宽(r=﹣0.410,P0.05)增长率呈显著负相关,而与肥满度呈显著正相关(r=0.450,P0.05),Ec R和RXR基因的表达与体重、壳长和壳宽的增长率均没有显著相关性;相对来说,MSTN在蜕壳后的表达量越高,则增重率越小;而Ec R和RXR在蜕壳后表达量越高,其增重率越大。本研究结果表明,中华绒螯蟹在蜕壳后其生长具有一定的规律性,肥满度可以作为衡量中华绒螯蟹体内营养积累启动蜕壳的指标,Ec R、RXR及MSTN基因表达与生长表型具有一定的相关性。     

中华绒螯蟹水通道蛋白11基因克隆及表达分析

为研究水通道蛋白11基因(AQP11)在中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)生长蜕壳过程中的功能作用,采用RACE技术克隆获得中华绒螯蟹水通道蛋白11基因cDNA全长序列.该序列总长为1 746bp,5'端和3'端非编码区分别为463 bp和476 bp,开放阅读框为807 bp,推测编码268个氨基酸,预测分子量29.46 kDa,理论等电点为5.38.生物学信息分析表明,AQP11含有4个跨膜区(第62～84,第159～181,第194～216,第231～250)和2个NPV单元,属于稳定蛋白;同源性和进化树分析表明,中华绒螯蟹AQP11氨基酸序列与凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)的同源性最高(82.0％),与凡纳滨对虾的聚为一支,与甲壳动物的亲缘关系最近.实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)的检测显示,AQP11基因在中华绒螯蟹各组织中均有表达,其中在肠道中表达量最高,其次是脑、肌肉和胸神经节,在肝胰腺、鳃和血中表达量最低.研究发现,AQP11基因在中华绒螯蟹肠道中的表达呈现,在蜕壳间期(C期)和蜕壳前期(D期)过程中表达量均较低,在蜕壳期(E期)表达量开始上升,蜕壳后期(AB期)表达量不变.AQP11基因在肌肉中的表达呈现,蜕壳间期(C期)表达量低,蜕壳前期(D期)表达量开始上升,蜕壳期(E期)达到峰值,随后到蜕壳后期(AB期)下降.研究结果表明,中华绒螯蟹AQP11基因在其蜕壳过程中发挥着重要的作用.     

池塘养殖中华绒螯蟹扣蟹附肢自切规律的研究

对中华绒螯蟹扣蟹培育池塘中幼蟹的自切规律进行了调查研究,结果显示:1)池塘养殖幼蟹的自切率较高,达29.2%,但无性别差异;根据体重将幼蟹分成4种规格(大:6~8 g;中:4~6 g;小:2~4 g;极小:0~2 g),就不同规格扣蟹而言,中等规格扣蟹的自切率相对较高,但4者之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。2)大多数个体自切一条(50%~60%)或2条附肢(25%~35%),自切3个或3个附肢以上的比例较低,自切5条附肢比例仅为2%。3)附肢自切通常发生在幼蟹身体的其中一侧,身体两侧同时自切的概率较低(12%~15%)。4)各肢型受到自切的概率不同,后3对附肢的自切率显著高于第1第2对附肢(P<0.05),自切螯足的概率最低。5)整体上,扣蟹雌雄个体的自切规律基本一致,不存在显著的性别差异(P>0.05)。     

饲料中添加合成虾青素对中华绒螯蟹成体雌蟹性腺发育、色泽和抗氧化能力的影响

采用在基础饲料中分别添加0、130和260 mg/kg的合成虾青素配制成3种粗蛋白和粗脂肪含量分别为42%和16%的等氮等脂的中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)育肥饲料(分别记为饲料1、2和3), 以中华绒螯蟹商业育肥饲料作为饲料4, 分别投喂4组雌蟹(每个饲料组3个重复水槽, 每个水槽中12只蟹), 进行为期60d的室内养殖实验, 以探讨添加合成虾青素对中华绒螯蟹成体雌蟹性腺发育、色泽及抗氧化能力的影响。结果显示: (1)实验进行到30d和60d, 在饲料中添加虾青素对雌体肝胰腺指数(HSI)和性腺指数(GSI)均无显著影响(P>0.05)。(2)性腺、肝胰腺和头胸甲中的总类胡萝卜素含量和红度值(a值)均以饲料3组最高, 性腺亮度值(L值)和黄度值(b值)以饲料1组最高(P<0.05); 饲料2组头胸甲的b值最高, 饲料1组最低(P<0.05)。(3) 饲料1组中华绒螯蟹血清过氧化物酶(POD)活性显著高于其他组, 饲料4组的过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、丙二醛(MDA)和乳酸(LD)含量最高(P<0.05); 肝胰腺中的SOD、T-AOC、GSH-Px和GR活性均以饲料1组最高, 饲料2组最低(P<0.05)。(4) 饲料2组血清酸性磷酸酶(ACP)活性和血蓝蛋白(Hc)含量显著高于其他组, 其余各组间差异不显著。血清中的碱性磷酸酶(ALP)和γ-谷氨酰转移酶(γ-GT)活性和一氧化氮(NO)含量均以饲料4组最高(P<0.05), 肝胰腺中的ACP、ALP和γ-GT活性以饲料1组最高。综上, 在育肥饲料中添加合成虾青素对成体雌蟹性腺发育无显著影响, 但可显著提高头胸甲、肝胰腺和卵巢中的类胡萝卜素总量、色泽和抗氧化能力, 建议雌蟹育肥饲料中合成虾青素的含量为90 mg/kg左右。     

Effect of Eyestalk-Ablation on Circulating Ecdysteroids in Hemolymph of Snow Crabs, Chionoecetes opilio: Physiological Evidence for a Terminal Molt

Bering Sea snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio) are a commerciallyimportant crab harvested in the Bering Sea. Optimal managementof this species requires an understanding of the biology ofthis crab that is currently incomplete. Fisheries managers applya continuous growth model in their management of snow crab,which assumes that male crabs increase in size throughout theirlifespan. Male snow crabs undergo a morphometric molt that leadsto a disproportionate increase in chelae size and it is stilldebated whether this molt is associated with a terminal molt.This study was conducted to determine whether adult male C.opilio are anecdysic. Using current knowledge of the hormonalregulation of crustacean growth, snow crab physiology was manipulatedto induce an increase in molting hormones (ecdysteroids). Sincefemale snow crabs are known to undergo a terminal molt afterattaining reproductive maturity, we compared ecdysteroid levelsin eyestalk-ablated terminally molted females, small-clawedmales and large-clawed males. Snow crabs were collected fromthe Bering Sea and maintained in circulating seawater at approximately6°C. Animals were either eyestalk-ablated or left intact.Ecdysteroid levels in hemolymph were quantified using an enzyme-linkedimmunosorbant assay (ELISA). Circulating ecdysteroids were significantlyhigher in small-clawed male crabs when compared to large-clawedmales or terminally molted females. Eyestalk-ablation increasedcirculating ecdysteroids in small-clawed males, but had no significanteffect on circulating ecdysteroids in large-clawed males orin terminally molted females.     

Comparative study of the molting cycle of wild and reared swimming crabs Callinectes danae (Crustacea: Portunidae)

Specimens of Callinectes danae Smith 1869 were caught in northeastern Brazil (2178 males, 2031 females); of these, 24 males and 24 females were reared for 6 months. Water temperature (T) and salinity (S) showed a significant effect on the average ecdysis in wild crab (μ), with a model obtained that was: μ = exp(?0.12268T + 0.06148S)/(1 + exp(?0.12268T + 0.06148S)). Size at morphometric maturity was significantly larger for wild males and females (9.45 and 8.38 cm, respectively) than for reared individuals (8.95 and 7.93 cm). Females of sizes above CW₅₀ (carapace width at maturation) showed an increased ecdysis activity, whereas males showed a decrease in ecdysis frequency in sizes over CW₅₀. Five and six molts were observed for females and males, respectively, in both wild and reared crabs; the modal classes of the reared crabs were shifted to smaller sizes. In reared females the terminal‐pubertal molt occurred at 107 days of age and at 148 days, on average, in males. The intermolt period varied from 8 to 41 days and increased with age.     

条背萤幼虫不同发育阶段呼吸系统构造的观察和比较

通过显微解剖,结合透射电镜和扫描电镜,观察比较了条背萤Luciola substriata幼虫两个不同发育阶段呼吸系统的差异。结果表明：1～2龄幼虫的呼吸系统中只有气管无气囊,3～6龄幼虫的呼吸系统中气管和气囊并存。1～2龄幼虫的尾气门和3～6龄幼虫的腹部侧气门及尾气门结构没有差异。透射电镜观察提示条背萤1～2龄幼虫体壁上的毛状物为气管鳃。     

Regeneration and molting effects on a proprioceptor organ in the dungeness crab,Cancer magister

Decapoda Crustacea molt in order to grow; some species, such as the Dungeness crab Cancer magister, achieve a very large size. Does sendory neuron hyperplasia in internal proprioceptors accompany this growth? To determine this, neurons in propodite-dactylopodite (PD) chordotonal organs were counted in first walking legs of juvenile (5th through 9th instar) and adult (10th through 13th instar) C. magister. We found that the PD organs of J5 crabs have about 56 neurons; the number increases to about 61 neurons in J6 crabs. Significant hyperplasia now occurs because an average of 79 neurons are found in the PD organs of J7 crabs. Little to no hyperplasia accompanies the several succeeding juvenile and adult molts (ca. 82–86 neurons are present). Because autotomized limbs are regenerated upon molting, we also examined how the number of PD organ neurons in regenerated legs compare with those of pristine legs. Newly regenerated legs (termed 1st stage regenerates) have fewer sensory neurons than do their contralateral pristine partners (65 vs 81); larger regenerated legs which have attained nearly normal size as a result of additional molts (2nd stage regenerates) still have fewer neurons than their pristine partners (69 vs 81). Additionally, in contrast to those of pristine walking legs, the elastic strand of PD organs from 1st stage regenerates is a misshapen sheet containing a cluster of small neurons with no obvious functional organization. Nonetheless, neurophysiological recordings indicate that all the receptor types typical for pristine legs (movement and position cells) are represented. The PD organs of 2nd stage regenerates differentiate to the shape and neuronal organization of pristine legs. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A trematode infection with no effect on reproductive success of a sand-bubbler crab

The infection effects of the parasitic digenean trematode on the body weight and reproductive success of the sand-bubbler crab were examined. Gynaecotyla squatarolae (Trematoda: Microphallidae) infects the body cavity of Scopimera globosa (Decapoda: Scopimeridae) and uses the crab as its second intermediate host. The parasites infected all reproductive crabs examined to varying degrees. Larger crabs of both sexes had more parasites than smaller ones, probably because body size reflects age, and older crabs had a longer period of exposure to infection. Males had more parasites than females, probably because of sexual difference in acting time on the surface. Ovigerous females stay in closed burrows and do not act on the surface during incubation, and so have less chance of infection than males. The quantity of infecting parasites did not explain variations in either body weight or reproductive success of individual crabs in a field experiment. The life history of this parasite, relative body size of the crabs, and cost and the possible benefit of manipulation for the parasite may explain these results.     

The annual cycle of molt in the Cape hare<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepus capensis</Emphasis> in northern China: pattern,timing and duration

Molt is an important life history event for mammals occurring in temperate and cold zones. In the present paper, I investigate the pattern, timing and duration of seasonal molts of the Cape haresLepus capensis Linnaeus, 1798 in northern China, by tracing and scoring the process of each molt quantitatively. All the seasonal molts in both overwintering and juvenile hares went through a similar order: midback (together with nape), flanks, belly, upper tail, and legs. Yet, there was a relatively confused pattern of replacement during the heaviest molting period of overwintering hares, compared to a relatively uniform pattern among juvenile hares. Overwintering hares experienced a spring and a fall molt. The fall molt was already initiated prior to completion of the spring molt and had a relatively short duration. Juveniles born early in the year (before July), before their fall molt, had undergone a postnatal molt, but those born late (July to September) had not. The juvenile fall molt had already begun when the postnatal molt was at its later stages. These facts suggest that the time budget for fall molt is tight and seasonally constrained. The timing and duration of molts in the overwintering and early-born juvenile hares were independent of individual age. Among overwintering hares, both sexes started spring molt synchronously, but the females were behind the males in late period of this molt and consequently further delayed throughout subsequent fall molt. This may be related to a higher cost of reproduction in females. No sexual difference was found in the molting progress of juvenile hares.     

中华绒螯蟹血淋巴20-羟蜕皮酮诱发蜕皮和卵巢发育的作用

通过放射免疫法测定了中华绒螯蟹蜕皮周期血淋巴20-羟蜕皮酮(20-HE)含量的变化。血淋巴20-HE同卵母细胞发育各个阶段有密切的时相关系:在卵母细胞小生长期血淋巴20-HE持续上升,经青春蜕皮进入卵母细胞大生长期后又迅速降低。不能及时青春蜕皮的青春期前雌蟹,稍后仍出现20-HE下降的趋势。对不同实验条件和生理状态下雌蟹的比较表明,20-HE具有诱发蜕皮的特性。卵母细胞早期生长必需高浓度的血淋巴20-HE。外源注射的20-HE有刺激卵巢增重的作用。     

Density affects mating mode and large male mating advantage in a fiddler crab

Fiddler crabs show two different mating modes: either females search and crabs mate underground in male burrows, or males search and crabs mate on the surface near female burrows. We explored the relationship between crab density, body size, the searching behavior of both sexes, and the occurrence of both mating modes in the fiddler crab Uca uruguayensis. We found that crabs change their mating mode depending on their size and crab density. Crabs mated mostly on the surface at low densities, and underground at high densities. The proportion of wandering receptive females but not courting males accounted for the variation in mating modes. This suggests that whether crabs mate underground (or on the surface) is determined by the presence (or absence) of searching females. We found that the change in the mating mode affected the level of assortative mating; males mating underground were bigger than those mating on the surface, suggesting active female choice. Given that fiddler crabs experience multiple reproductive cycles, they are prone to showing behavioral plasticity in their mating strategy whenever the payoffs of using different mating modes differ between reproductive events. Our results suggest that the incorporation of different levels of environmental variability may be important in theoretical models aimed at improving our understanding of the evolution of alternative mating tactics and strategies.