Original scientific paper

Decoration preferences of Maja crispata Risso 1827 (Brachyura, Majidae)

S. Fürböck
R. A. Patzner

Abstract

Decoration preferences, position, structure and morphology of the hooked setae were questions addressed in this study. Data were collected through the use of a scanning electron microscope. The location of the hooked setae on the exoskeleton was mapped.
Spider crabs (family Majidae) often decorate themselves. They put pieces of marine organisms among the hooked setae of the exoskeleton. The decoration might serve as protection from visual predators. M. crispata is an opportunist that uses several algae, based on the abundance of the available algae and the morphological structure. M. crispata also is a generalist: it attempts to look less like a crab in order to become invisible to its visual predators.

Keywords

camouflage; algae; Maja crispata; Majidae; Adriatic Sea

Hrčak ID:

5035

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/5035

Publication date:

30.9.2005.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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