Publication Abstract

The effect of prey shape on the predatory behaviour of the common shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L.)

M.J. Kaiser, R.N. Hughes and R.N. Gibson

Crabs used a limited repertoire of behaviours when attacking resistant prey. Crushing and rotating were the most commonly used behaviours with all prey types. Other behaviours, such as sawing, biting and poking became more important in prolonged predatory acts. The duration of crushing attempts became longer as prey size increased. Crabs (Carcinus maenas) were able to improve their handling efficiency, the frequency, but not the duration, of behaviours decreased with experience. Crabs were able to subtly alter their predatory behaviour, within and between predatory acts. Presumably the ability to fine tune predatory behaviour according to prey characteristics, coupled with the ability to learn appropriate handling techniques, leads to more efficient predatory behaviour.

Reference:

M.J. Kaiser, R.N. Hughes and R.N. Gibson, 1993. The effect of prey shape on the predatory behaviour of the common shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L.). Marine Behaviour and Physiology, 22(2): 107-117.