Decapod crustacean chelipeds: an overview |
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Authors: | Pitchaimuthu Mariappan Chellam Balasundaram Barbara Schmitz |
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Institution: | Crustacean Aquaculture and Behaviour Unit (CRABU), Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli 620 024, India. |
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Abstract: | The structure, growth, differentiation and function of crustacean chelipeds are reviewed. In many decapod crustaceans growth
of chelae is isometric with allometry level reaching unity till the puberty moult. Afterwards the same trend continues in
females, while in males there is a marked spurt in the level of allometry accompanied by a sudden increase in the relative
size of chelae. Subsequently they are differentiated morphologically into crusher and cutter making them heterochelous and
sexually dimorphic. Of the two, the major chela is used during agonistic encounters while the minor is used for prey capture
and grooming. Various biotic and abiotic factors exert a negative effect on cheliped growth. The dimorphic growth pattern
of chelae can be adversely affected by factors such as parasitic infection and substrate conditions. Display patterns of chelipeds
have an important role in agonistic and aggressive interactions. Of the five pairs of pereiopods, the chelae are versatile
organs of offence and defence which also make them the most vulnerable for autotomy. Regeneration of the autotomized chelipeds
imposes an additional energy demand called “regeneration load” on the incumbent, altering energy allocation for somatic and/or reproductive processes. Partial withdrawal of chelae leading
to incomplete exuviation is reported for the first time in the laboratory and field inMacrobrachiumspecies. |
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Keywords: | Allometry autotomy chela display cheliped claw handedness regeneration |
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