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The soft red patch of the Australian freshwater crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens)): a review and prospects for future research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2003

Ilan Karplus
Affiliation:
Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
Amir Sagi
Affiliation:
Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653 Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
Isam Khalaila
Affiliation:
Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653 Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
Assaf Barki
Affiliation:
Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
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Abstract

The red patch located on the propodus of Cherax quadricarinatus males is a sexually dimorphic structure. This patch presents an enigma because it is soft and uncalcified, consisting of a thin red to whitish-orange membrane. It presents an impairment of the fighting capability of the males, which, like many other clawed crustaceans, use these appendages in intra- and interspecific aggressive interactions. Present knowledge on patch structure and colour, development and their endocrine control by the androgenic gland is reviewed. The function of the red patch as a possible sensory organ or social signal is discussed. The red patch may transmit information concerning the gender, size and quality of its owner. Several hypotheses concerning the signal function of the patch are suggested and evaluated in the light of our present knowledge of the social behaviour of C. quadicarinatus.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2003 The Zoological Society of London

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