Mechanical Resistance and Tissue Structure of Claw Denticles of Various Sizes in the Mud Crab, Scylla serrata.

Abstract

Decapod crustaceans have tooth-like denticles on their claw fingers, which come into direct contact with predators and prey. Since the denticles are subject to more frequent and intense stress than other parts of the exoskeleton, they must be especially resistant to wear and abrasion. We clarified the mechanical resistance and tissue structure of the denticles arranged in a line on the fixed finger of the mud crab, which has huge claws. The denticles of the mud crab are small at the fingertip and become larger closer to the palm. The denticles have a twisted-plywood-pattern structure stacked parallel to the surface regardless of size, but the abrasion resistance strongly depends on the size of the denticles. Due to the dense tissue structure and calcification, the abrasion resistance increases as the denticle size increases, reaching its maximum at the denticle surface. The denticles of the mud crab have a tissue structure that prevents them from breaking when pinched. The high abrasion resistance of the large denticle surface is an essential feature for the frequent crushing of shellfish, which is the mud crab's staple food. The characteristics and tissue structure of the claw denticles on the mud crab may provide ideas for developing stronger, tougher materials.