Abstract
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.
Highlights
Autotomy is an efficient reflexive response which results in loss of a limb at a pre-formed breakage plane [1,2,3,4]
Few studies have examined the effects of autotomy on decapod crustaceans and knock-on consequences to the wider community, despite these animals being an important consumer in aquatic environments [8, 25,26,27]
The first activity of P. transversus during foraging is exploration of the environment touching the substrate with chelipeds and/or pereopods to find the food source
Summary
Autotomy is an efficient reflexive response which results in loss of a limb at a pre-formed breakage plane [1,2,3,4]. This mechanism is considered a useful adaptation to avoid predators and limit injuries [5,6,7,8,9], occurring commonly in vertebrate and invertebrate groups; it has been investigated by several researchers [8, 10,11,12]. Few studies have examined the effects of autotomy on decapod crustaceans and knock-on consequences to the wider community, despite these animals being an important consumer in aquatic environments [8, 25,26,27]
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