« Previous AbstractAlteration of photoresponses involved in diel vertical migration of a crab larva by fish mucus and degradation products of mucopolysaccharides    Next Abstract"The effects of a garlic oil chemical compound, propyl-propane thiosulfonate, on ruminal fermentation and fatty acid outflow in a dual-flow continuous culture system" »

Biol Bull

Title:		Larval biology of the crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould): a synthesis
Author(s):		Forward RB;
Address:		"Duke University Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, USA. rforward@duke.edu"
Journal Title:		Biol Bull
Year:		2009
Volume:		216
Issue:		3
Page Number:		243 - 256
DOI:		10.1086/BBLv216n3p243
ISSN/ISBN:		0006-3185 (Print) 0006-3185 (Linking)
Abstract:		"This synthesis reviews the physiological ecology and behavior of larvae of the benthic crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii, which occurs in low-salinity areas of estuaries. Larvae are released rhythmically around the time of high tide in tidal estuaries and in the 2-h interval after sunset in nontidal estuaries. As in most subtidal crustaceans, the timing of larval release is controlled by the developing embryos, which release peptide pheromones that stimulate larval release behavior by the female to synchronize the time of egg hatching. Larvae pass through four zoeal stages and a postlarval or megalopal stage that are planktonic before metamorphosis. They are retained near the adult population by means of an endogenous tidal rhythm in vertical migration. Larvae have several safeguards against predation: they undergo nocturnal diel vertical migration (DVM) and have a shadow response to avoid encountering predators, and they bear long spines as a deterrent. Photoresponses during DVM and the shadow response are enhanced by exposure to chemical cues from the mucus of predator fishes and ctenophores. The primary visual pigment has a spectral sensitivity maximum at about 500 nm, which is typical for zooplankton and matches the ambient spectrum at twilight. Larvae can detect vertical gradients in temperature, salinity, and hydrostatic pressure, which are used for depth regulation and avoidance of adverse environmental conditions. Characteristics that are related to the larval habitat and are common to other crab larval species are considered"
Keywords:		"Animals *Behavior, Animal Brachyura/*growth & development Female Hydrostatic Pressure Larva Male Metamorphosis, Biological Salinity Temperature Toxicity Tests Wetlands;"
Notes:		"MedlineForward, Richard B Jr eng Review 2009/06/27 Biol Bull. 2009 Jun; 216(3):243-56. doi: 10.1086/BBLv216n3p243"