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Response of mud crab (Panopeus herbstii) megalopae to cues from adult habitat

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Abstract

During the summer of 1995, we investigated the response of mud crab megalopae (Panopeus herbstii Milne-Edwards) to cues associated with adult habitat. Natural rock/shell substratum and the rock-associated seaweed, Fucus vesiculosus L., both induced metamorphosis of competent megalopae; natural sand substratum did not induce metamorphosis. Structural mimics of preferred substrata induced metamorphosis only when covered with natural biofilm. Clean mimics did not induce metamorphosis. Water-soluble exudates from preferred substrata showed weak induction of metamorphosis. Exudates from adult P. herbstii elicited a similar weak response. Exudates from another species of crab and from two fish predators did not induce metamorphosis. We conclude that water-soluble cues associated with major components of preferred adult habitat induce the metamorphic molt of P. herbstii megalopae. The three-dimensional structure of the substratum is not important in induction of metamorphosis, but the biofilm associated with preferred substratum plays a critical role. It is not clear whether the biofilm produces the water-soluble cue or simply provides a tactile stimulus that works in conjunction with the soluble cue.

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  1. University of Delaware College of Marine Studies, Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 700 Pilottown Road, 19958, Lewes, Delaware, USA

    J. C. Weber & C. E. Epifanio

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  1. J. C. Weber
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  2. C. E. Epifanio
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Communicated by J. P. Grassle, New Brunswick

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Weber, J.C., Epifanio, C.E. Response of mud crab (Panopeus herbstii) megalopae to cues from adult habitat. Marine Biology 126, 655–661 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00351332

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00351332

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