Mate recognition and pairing in the big‐clawed snapping shrimp, Alpheus heterochelis

Abstract

Most studied snapping shrimp are found in male‐female pairs, cohabiting a common shelter. Studying Alpheus heterochelis in the laboratory, we determined that both sexes discriminate a former mate, from which they have been separated for 24 h, from a stranger. Strangers are more aggressive towards each other and show significantly lower frequencies of non‐agonistic (stroking and touching) behaviours than do former mates. We also established that the probability of re‐pairing between former mates and the pairing latency are strongly dependent on which sex remained in the home tank. If the female remains resident, she is equally likely to pair with a stranger and with her former mate (when tested separately), and there is no difference in pairing latency. If the male remains resident, the frequency of pairing between former mates is significantly higher than between strangers, and the pairing latency is significantly shorter. From these differences, we infer that the social bond may be adapted to absence from the shelter by the female, but not by the male.