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The incidence of autotomy in an estuarine population of the crab Carcinus maenas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

Alistair McVean  and
Ian Findlay
Alistair McVean
Affiliation:
Bedford College, University of London, Regent's Park, London
Ian Findlay
Affiliation:
Bedford College, University of London, Regent's Park, London
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Extract

The incidence of autotomy is described for a discrete population of Carcinus maenas in the Yealm Estuary over a period of one year. During this time the crabs showed seasonal trends in distribution whereby during the summer months they congregated at the top of the estuary. This seasonal migration up and down the estuary corresponded with peak rates in the rate of change in temperature of the bottom water. Recruitment occurred in June, July and August. Overall, there were more female than male crabs although the ratio varied throughout the year. All sizes and sexes of crabs autotomized limbs but although autotomy increased with the size of the crabs it showed no obvious relationship with other population parameters. Significantly more chelipeds than walking limbs were lost. There were more multiple autotomies than would be expected if autotomy was a random event. Autotomy is shown to be a rare event for sexually mature Carcinus but essential to the survival of immature crabs. The means by which crabs may regulate the incidence of autotomy is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 59 , Issue 2 , May 1979 , pp. 341 - 354
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1979

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