Abstract
Abstract Crustacean decapod larvae have developed several adaptations to maximize their survival, including swimming behavior. Swimming improves larvae dispersal and contributes to their response to environmental stresses, including variations in abiotic factors, presence of predators, and search for food. Data on larval behavior can also assist in studies on conservation and in species management in aquaculture. Unfortunately, swimming behavior remains unstudied in many species. The present work aims to analyze the swimming behavior in newly hatched larvae of six common decapod crustaceans in coastal Southeast Brazil (Macrobrachium acanthurus, Macrobrachium olfersii, Emerita brasiliensis, Ucides cordatus, Minuca rapax, and Callinectes danae). The analysis included tests with larval responses to four isolated stimuli: gravity (geotaxis), vertical salinity gradients, low-pressure zones, and presence of the planktivorous fish, Atherinella brasiliensis (only for C. danae and M. rapax). The first two and the last two stimuli were used as indicators of dispersal and defensive behaviors, respectively. All larvae preferred water depth with higher salinity levels. Additionally, negative geotaxis was observed in M. olfersii, M. acanthurus, U. cordatus, and C. danae, being stronger in the last. Both Macrobrachium larvae responded to low-pressure zones, promptly moving away. Callinectes danae and M. rapax larvae avoided contact with the predatory fish by creating avoidance zones around it, even in the absence of light. This is an active defensive behavior that has never been reported for the newly hatched larvae of these two species.
Highlights
Zooplankton swimming behavior, especially the regulation of vertical positioning, can maximize, minimize, and guide the organism’s transport (Seuront et al, 2004)
Emerita brasiliensis and M. rapax larvae did not respond to gravity, swimming throughout all the water column
In the present study, spawning of the six decapod species always occurred at the beginning of the dark period
Summary
Zooplankton swimming behavior, especially the regulation of vertical positioning, can maximize, minimize, and guide the organism’s transport (Seuront et al, 2004). Decapod larvae (Crustacea, Malacostraca) are important members of the zooplankton community, but have received little attention regarding their swimming behavior. Even considering the ecological and economic importance of decapods, larval behavior in many species remains unknown. The study of swimming behavior allows the recording of valuable data, such as response to environmental factors, dispersal strategies, and population dynamics (Epifanio and Cohen, 2016). These studies can provide important information to help species conservation, monitoring, and management in aquaculture systems
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