Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gxg78 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-22T17:25:02.466Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Dynamics of a subtidal population of the porcellanid crab Pisidia longicornis (Decapoda: Crustacea)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2000

M. Robinson
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
O. Tully
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland

Abstract

A subtidal population of the anomuran crab, Pisidia longicornis was sampled quantitatively throughout 1997. Divers, using SCUBA equipment, conducted suction sampling each month, with concentrated effort directed towards the settlement season. Pisidia occurred in very high densities, constituting the major component of decapod community abundance. Gravid females were detected between March and September. Newly settled megalopae were present in benthic samples from June until late September. Six distinct settlement events were detected during this period, with pulses coinciding with low spring tides. Body size at settlement decreased as temperature during larval development increased. The rapid growth of each distinct settlement group was followed over time through each subsequent crab stage up to maximum adult size. Growth was suspended between December and April. Survival within each distinct settlement group was density-independent during the first summer's growth. Mortality increased between June and July settlement events, with the rate of decline remaining a linear function.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2000 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)