Oxygen Consumption as a Function of Body Size in a Terrestrial Hermit Crab, Coenobita (Decapoda, Paguridea)

Abstract

from Port Aransas are: ovigerous female carapace length 7.3 mm and width 11 mm; male carapace length 5.7 mm and width 7.2 mm. These measurements are con siderably smaller than those listed by Williams (1965). Williams (1965) gave the color of P. gibbesi as grayish white, sometimes stained with brown/' A distinct color variation is present in these individuals. The carapace and chelipeds of the male from Mansfield Channel are yellowish orange while the female is light brownish gray. The carapace and chelipeds of the male from Port Aransas are moderate brown to yellowish brown. The carapace of the female is light brownish gray with moderate yellowish brown chelipeds. The carapace and chelipeds of the female from Seven and One-Half Fathom Reef are yellowish gray. These five specimens were collected in water depths between one and eight fathoms which concurs with the depths given by Williams (1965) and Haig (1956). I wish to thank Dr. A. H. Chaney who reviewed this manuscript, and Don McCarty, Tom Shirley, and Bob Turner who discovered the polychaete tubes.