Abstract
Abstract A new index was used to describe and quantify claw asymmetry for American lobsters, Homarus americanus. Length : width (L:W) ratios were calculated for each claw, and a measure of claw asymmetry (Ca) was computed as the percent reduction in the claw with the smaller L:W ratio. Fourth stage (first benthic stage) lobsters had relatively symmetrical claws, with L:W ratios of 4.3 in the cutter and 4.1 in the crusher claw, and a corresponding Ca value of 5.4%. Hatchery animals that could not differentially exercise one claw maintained a low average Ca value (2.5%). In adult animals, the L:W ratio decreased to a minimum of 2.7 for cutter claws, and 2.0 for crusher claws, giving a Ca value of 25.9%. This method was then used to assess claw development in animals exposed to one of four different natural substrates (cobble, shell, sand, and plant) in a hatchery setting. The development of claw asymmetry is known to be a function of increased exercise in one claw, and substrates allowing for more exercise ...
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