SHELL SELECTION IN COENOBITA-COMPRESSUS (DECAPODA, COENOBITIDAE)

Authors
GUILLEN FC OSORNO JL
Citation
Fc. Guillen et Jl. Osorno, SHELL SELECTION IN COENOBITA-COMPRESSUS (DECAPODA, COENOBITIDAE), Revista de biologia tropical, 41(1), 1993, pp. 65-72
Citations number
NO
Categorie Soggetti
Biology
Journal title
Revista de biologia tropical → ACNP
ISSN journal
00347744
Volume
41
Issue
1
Year of publication
1993
Pages
65 - 72
Database
ISI
SICI code
0034-7744(1993)41:1<65:SSIC(C>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
Gasteropod shell preferences were analysed in 945 hermit crabs (Coenob ita compressus) from Isla Isabel, Nayarit, Mexico (21-degrees-52' 30'' N, 105-degrees-54'W) during the dry (January) and rainy (July) seasons . The crabs selected significantly more Nerita scabricosta than any ot her of the eleven shell species used. Laboratory tests confirmed such a preference. Apparently N. scabricosta gives the maximum benefits to crabs as a result of its low weight-high volume relationship which is favoured when high mobility is needed and the predation pressures are low.