Feeding Behavior of a Crab According to Cheliped Number

Cheliped loss through autotomy is a common reflexive response in decapod crustaceans. Cheliped loss has direct and indirect effects on feeding behavior which can affect population dynamics and the role of species in the community. In this study, we assessed the impact of autotomy (0, 1, or 2 chelipe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PLOS ONE
Main Authors: de Oliveira, Diogo Nunes, Christofoletti, Ronaldo Adriano, Barreto, Rodrigo Egydio
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science 2015
Subjects:
Research Article
South Atlantic Ocean
Online Access:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4690604/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26682546
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0145121
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Summary:Cheliped loss through autotomy is a common reflexive response in decapod crustaceans. Cheliped loss has direct and indirect effects on feeding behavior which can affect population dynamics and the role of species in the community. In this study, we assessed the impact of autotomy (0, 1, or 2 cheliped loss) on feeding behavior in the crab Pachygrapsus transversus, an omnivorous and abundant species that inhabits subtropical intertidal rocky shores along the South Atlantic Ocean. Autotomy altered crab feeding patterns and foraging behavior; however, the time spent foraging on animal prey or algae was not affected. These results indicate a plasticity of feeding behavior in P. transversus, allowing them to maintain feeding when injured.

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