Field and laboratory studies of the behaviour of the swimming crab Liocarcinus depurator (Linnaeus)

Glass, Christopher William (1985) Field and laboratory studies of the behaviour of the swimming crab Liocarcinus depurator (Linnaeus). PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Field observations were made at Loch Sween in an attempt to
describe the behaviour and ecology of L.depurator.
Abundance varied over time with peak abundance occurring
during periods of warm water. Peak densities of 1 crab/7m [sq] were observed but average density was much lower at 1 crab 25m [sq].
Some evidence was obtained for migration from the
study site similar to that reported for other species.
Tagging studies revealed no long term site attachment.
Populations were found to be sex biased in favour of male
during summer months and individuals were most
commonly observed within 1m of the nearest conspecific.
Ovigerous crabs were observed in two distinct phases between
April and September and recruitment of juvenile crabs;
occured in early spring. Observations on food and feeding
behaviour showed L depurator to be a predator of sessile or slow
moving benthic macroinvertebrates. The main types of
escape response were observed and discussed. The incidence
of physical damage and naturally occurring aggression in the
field were low.
Investigation into the locomotor activity of individual
swimming crabs in the laboratory showed that shallow water
(<9m) crabs displayed significant cyclic locomotor activity while deep water (>30m) crabs displayed arhythmic activity.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: Q Science > QL Zoology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Huntingford, Dr. Felicity
• Date of Award: 1985
• Depositing User: Miss Louise Annan
• Unique ID: glathesis:1985-4939
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 07 Feb 2014 14:50
• Last Modified: 07 Feb 2014 15:33
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/4939