Co-Authors:
Karplus, I., Department of Aquaculture, Agricultural Research Organization, POB 6, Bet-Dagan, Israel
Fiedler, G.C., Department of Zoology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA, United States
Ramcharan, P., Southampton College, Southampton, NY 11968, United States
Abstract:
This study addresses the intraspecific fighting behavior of Lybia edmondsoni, a small xanthid crab which carries a minute sea anemone (Triactis producta) in each of its claws. The relationship with the anemone and its involvement as a weapon in crab contests was studied. Fifteen behavioral acts were identified, including five that were performed using anemones. Actual anemone contact between opponents was extremely rare, incidental, while other acts with anemones were performed at a distance or directed away from opponents. Three hypotheses are proposed to explain why anemones are not used as weapons during intraspecific contests. Contacts between walking legs during agonistic encounters appear to have replaced claw contacts typical for contests of xanthid crabs. Fighting behavior and claw propodus length vs. carapace width were similar for male and female crabs. Crabs were observed to split single anemones into two smaller individuals, inducing asexual reproduction in Triactis producta.
תפריט נגישות
ניגודיות עדינה
מונוכרום
הדגשת קישורים
חסימת אנימציה
פונט קריא
סגור
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