Tidal and Diurnal Rhythms of Locomotory Activity in Carcinus Maenas (L.)

1958 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 602-610
Author(s):  
E. NAYLOR
Keyword(s):  
High Activity ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
High Tide ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
Diurnal Rhythms ◽  
Locomotory Activity ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Resultant Effect ◽  
Observed Behaviour ◽  
Dim Light

1. Spontaneous locomotory activity was recorded continuously for several days in Carcinus maenas (L.). 2. A complex rhythm was observed which could be analysed into two components, one of diurnal frequency (24 hr.), with peaks of activity during the hours of darkness, and one of tidal frequency (ca. 12.4hr.), with peaks at the time of high tide. 3. The rhythms persist in constant dim light at constant temperatures, whether the crabs are kept moist in air or continuously immersed in sea water. 4. The resultant effect of the two rhythms is to produce particularly high activity peaks during periods which recur with a semi-lunar frequency. 5. Experimental results relate to observed behaviour on the shore.

Urinary Bladder Volume and the Reabsorption of Water from the Urine of Crabs

1974 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-181
Author(s):  
J. A. RIEGEL ◽  
A. P. M. LOCKWOOD ◽  
J. R. W. NORFOLK ◽  
N. C. BULLEID ◽  
P. A. TAYLOR
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Blood Volume ◽  
Ethacrynic Acid ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
Bladder Volume ◽  
Active Secretion ◽  
51Cr Edta

1. Measurements have been made to determine the blood volume, bladder volume, clearance of 131I-sodium diatrizoate and U/H for diatrizoate in the crabs Carcinus maenas and Macropipus (Portunus) depurator. 2. Observed values of clearance blood volume and bladder volume in the two species at 18 °C were: Clearance (as % blood volume per day), Macropipus 56.1±14.5; Carcinus 27.1±5.8; Blood volume (as % body weight), Macropipus 21.0±4.0; Carcinus 19.2±3.0; Bladder volume (as % blood volume), Macropipus 12.1 ±5.0; Carcinus 11.0±8.0. 3. It is shown that the measured U/H differs from that to be expected if no reabsorption of water or secretion of diatrizoate occurs. 4. 14C-inulin and 51Cr-EDTA are excreted in an essentially similar manner to 131I-diatrizoate by Carcinus, implying that any active secretion of diatrizoate must be small in magnitude. 5. Injections of ethacrynic acid decrease the U/H ratio for diatrizoate relative to that in control Carcinus injected with sea water. In some Carcinus the concentration of diatrizoate in the urine comes to exceed that initially present in the blood. Both these points are taken, with 3, as support for the conclusion that water can be withdrawn from the primary urine of Carcinus.

scholarly journals Daily activity of four tropical intertidal hermit crabs from Southeastern Brazil

2003 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Turra ◽  
M. R. Denadai
Keyword(s):  
High Activity ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
High Tide ◽  
Hermit Crabs ◽  
Activity Period ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Intertidal Flat ◽  
Circadian Activity

This study describes the daily activity in a simulated high tide situation of four species of hermit crabs (Pagurus criniticornis, Clibanarius antillensis, C. sclopetarius, and C. vittatus) that coexist in an intertidal flat in southeastern Brazil. Observations were done in two-hour intervals during two subsequent days (48 h) in three replicate pools with thirty crabs each. Among species (between and within genera) there was an evident variation in activity patterns, of which three could be distinguished. The circadian activity patterns of C. antillensis and C. vittatus could be characterized as evening and nocturnal, with resting peaks during the morning and afternoon. The circadian activity pattern of C. sclopetarius was characterized by two marked peaks of inactivity, corresponding to dawn and evening, which could represent an intrinsic association with the semi-lunar tidal cycles of the study area. Pagurus criniticornis showed high activity not influenced by day/night conditions during the entire observed period. These activity pattern variations of the studied hermit crabs should be taken into account in designing further experiments. More precise and accurate interspecific behavioral comparisons among species could be achieved in nocturnal experiments, the high activity period of all species.

Zinc Regulation in the Lobster Homarus Gammarus: Importance of Different Pathways of Absorption and Excretion

1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Bryan ◽  
L. G. Hummerstone ◽  
Eileen Ward
Keyword(s):  
Sea Water ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
The Body ◽  
Shore Crab ◽  
Freshwater Crayfish ◽  
Uptake Mechanism ◽  
Major Pathway ◽  
Homarus Gammarus ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Body Concentration

Zinc is one of the most important of the essential trace metals and more than 90 zinc-containing enymes and proteins have been discovered: furthermore, zinc increases the activity of many other enzymes (Vallee, 1978). It is not surprising, therefore, that in some groups of animals the body concentration is regulated against fluctuations in intake. Decapod crustaceans comprise one such group, although the ways in which regulation is achieved vary from species to species. In the freshwater crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, excretion in the faeces is a major pathway for removing zinc (Bryan, 1967a) whereas in the shore crab Carcinus maenas losses over the body surface also assume considerable importance (Bryan, 1966). On the other hand, preliminary work on the lobster Homarus gammarus (formerly H. vulgaris) suggests that in this species urinary excretion plays a major role in regulation (Bryan, 1964). The present work continues the study of zinc regulation in lobsters and its main aims are: (1) to measure rates of absorption from sea water over a wide range of concentrations and study the uptake mechanism; (2) to examine absorption from the stomach under different conditions; (3) to determine the relative importance of different pathways for the removal of zinc in response to various levels of intake.

The Parasitic Rhizocephalan Barnacle Sacculina Carcini in Crabs of the Forth Estuary, Scotland

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 665-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mathieson ◽  
A.J. Berry ◽  
S. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Carapace Width ◽  
High Tide ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
Size Class ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Lower Estuary ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Sacculina Carcini ◽  
Middle Estuary

In the Forth Estuary, Scotland, parasitic rhizocephalan barnacle Sacculina carcini externae or scars occurred on 64% of Carcinus maenas from the subtidal channel of the middle estuary. These became more frequent downstream, infecting 46·9% in the lower estuary basin. Male and female crabs were infected equally, and infection rates in low-tide samples did not differ from high-tide. The parasites occurred most frequently on crabs of 40–50 mm carapace width (CW) rather than the modal crab size class of 50–60 mm. Downstream, proportionately more smaller than larger crabs bore parasites whereas, further upstream, more larger than smaller crabs bore parasites. There is evidence for the annual appearance of new externae in July-October, especially in the lower estuary basin, followed by their growth and loss after about a year.

Rhythms of larval release in the shore crab Carcinus maenas (Decapoda: Brachyura)

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 451-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaoshu Zeng ◽  
Ernest Naylor
Keyword(s):  
High Tide ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
Continuous Light ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Shore Crab ◽  
Dark Phase ◽  
Larval Release ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Video Recorder ◽  
The Times

The process of larval release in field collected ovigerous Carcinus maenas was monitored in the laboratory using a time-lapse video recorder. Under constant light (L:L) and simulated natural light/dark cycles (L:D), larval release normally occurred in two or more main events at about daily and/or tidal intervals. Since larval release in the crab was expressed with circadian and circatidal periodicity in continuous light and in the absence of tidal cues, it suggests involvement of endogenous timing. Crabs showing daily larval release rhythms released larvae at various times of the day in L:L. In contrast, under simulated L:D cycles, 37 out of 38 crabs released larvae during the dark phase, suggesting nocturnal release of larvae in the crab under natural conditions. Larval release from freshly collected females which shed larvae within two days of collection occurred predominantly around the times of expected nocturnal high tide. When both local semidiurnal high tides occurred in daylight during long summer days, larval release appeared to start 2–3 h earlier than the expected morning high tide, before the onset of daylight. Larval release at the time around high tide, linked to a previously described larval tidal migration rhythm of ebb-phased upward swimming, is likely to have been selected for by enhancing the larval offshore dispersal process. Nocturnal larval release is probably adaptive in the avoidance of visual predators by ovigerous females as they release larvae.

Experiments on the Light Sense of the Hag, Myxine Glutinosa L

1955 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-38
Author(s):  
D. M. STEVEN
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Spectral Sensitivity ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Locomotory Activity ◽  
Spectral Transmission ◽  
Sensitivity Maximum ◽  
Myxine Glutinosa ◽  
Minimum Value ◽  
Functional Value ◽  
Local Movement

1. The response of the hag to light consists of one or more local movements followed after a further interval by general locomotory activity. The first local movement has been used as a measure of the reaction time. 2. The reaction time is inversely proportional to the intensity of the stimulus at illuminations less than about 10 e.f.c. At higher levels of illumination it attains a constant minimum value. Hags respond to intensities at least as low as 0.1 e.f.c. but only after several minutes illumination. 3. Estimates of the penetration of light through sea water suggest that the hag's light sense is of functional value. 4. The spectral sensitivity maximum lies between 500 and 520 mµ. Hags are virtually insensitive to wave-lengths longer than about 600 mµ. 5. The significance of the spectral sensitivity is discussed in relation to the spectral transmission of sea water and the evolution of photosensitive systems.

The Physiology of the Antennal Gland of Carcinus Maenas (L.)

1969 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
R. BINNS
Keyword(s):  
Sea Water ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
Urine Concentration ◽  
Antennal Gland ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Urine Production ◽  
Urine Concentrations

1. U/B ratios for inulin and sorbitol have been measured in 100%, 75% and 50% sea water. 2. When Carcinus is in 100% sea water, a U/B ratio of 1 for both sorbitol and inulin is reached and maintained after 40 and 115 hr. respectively. A reason for this difference is suggested. 3. In dilute media the rate of increase of U/B ratio for both molecules is more rapid than in 100% sea water. For instance, in 50% sea water the inulin U/B ratio is 1 after 50-60 hr. Sorbitol ratios are generally less than 1 in dilute sea water and a possible explanation of this is given. 4. In any particular concentration of sea water blood and urine concentrations of injected solutes fall at approximately the same rate once the maximum urine concentration has been reached. 5. It is concluded that primary urine production in Carcinus is by a filtration mechanism and that reabsorption of water from the urine does not normally occur.

Studies in Diurnal Rhythms

1951 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-172
Author(s):  
J. L. CLOUDSLEY-THOMPSON
Keyword(s):  
Diurnal Rhythm ◽  
Rhythmic Activity ◽  
Temperature Fluctuations ◽  
West African ◽  
Diurnal Rhythms ◽  
Locomotory Activity ◽  
Depressing Effect ◽  
African Species ◽  
Fluctuating Light ◽  
Effect Of Light

Visual experiments on two small British species of millipedes have demonstrated that the diurnal cycle of rhythmic activity as represented by the number of animals on the surface is primarily a response to light and darkness, but is also correlated with the stimulus of falling temperature in the evening. Aktograph experiments on two large West African species of millipedes have demonstrated an endogenous diurnal rhythm independent of fluctuating light and temperature, and persisting (in Ophistreptus) up to 19 days. Locomotory activity is stimulated both by increases and decreases of temperature; and it is probable that temperature fluctuations are of primary importance in the initiation of diurnal rhythms. The effect of light on activity is slight, but constant temperatures over long periods have, a depressing effect.

Extracellular Fluid Volume Changes in Carcinus Maenas during Acclimation to Low and High Environmental Salinities

1982 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-173
Author(s):  
R. R. HARRIS ◽  
M. B. ANDREWS
Keyword(s):  
Sea Water ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Blood Sampling ◽  
Extracellular Fluid Volume ◽  
Clearance Rates ◽  
Volume Changes ◽  
Marker Distribution ◽  
Water Contents

Changes in extracellular fluid (ECF) volume of Carcinus maenas (L.) were studied in vivo during acclimation to low and high environmental salinities. Initial investigations showed that there was a rapid equilibration into this compartment of the ECF markers used ([3H]inulin and [14C]hydroxymethyl inulin). Earlier reports of a relatively slow marker distribution, indicated from clearance curves, can be explained by high clearance rates occurring when frequent blood sampling was carried out. After transfer of the crabs to media hyposmotic to the haemolymph, ECF volumes decreased transiently to 74.8% of the initial volume, but within 40 h in 26% sea water original volumes were restored. Calculation of intracellular water contents suggests that a volume limitation phase precedes the regulatory return to the original volume. In hyperosmotic media, the ECF volumes increased significantly (to a maximum of 143%) but, in contrast to the response in hyposmotic conditions, showed only a partial return to the original volumes.

Reducing Activity and the Formation of Base in the Shore Crab, Carcinus Maenas

1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 505-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter S. B. Digby
Keyword(s):  
Outer Surface ◽  
Biological Material ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Carcinus Maenas ◽  
Water Salinity ◽  
Shore Crab ◽  
Calcareous Deposits ◽  
Reducing Activity ◽  
Diffusion Potentials ◽  
Active Processes

Crustacean cuticle consists essentially of chitin impregnated and coated with protein which is tanned with quinone (Dennell, 1947a). The outer surface is most heavily tanned, and the cuticle is further strengthened by calcification. The various theories as to the mechanism of calcification in crustacean and other biological material have been reviewed briefly by Digby (1967). Most appear unsatisfactory for various reasons, and evidence was outlined that calcification might arise from the formation of base by processes which are essentially electrochemical in origin. The quinone-tanned protein of the cuticle is electrically semiconducting and supports electrode action in suitable gradients of potential (Digby, 1965), and small potential differences may arise by diffusion or by active processes. Thus the deposition of calcareous salts might arise partly at least by action comparable to that which takes place at a metallic cathode. In support of this, the position of the initial calcareous deposits in Carcinus maenas (L.) was found to change with the gradient of sea-water salinity in the manner expected if some control were exercised by diffusion potentials, acting across a thin semiconducting layer to generate small changes of pH (Digby, 1968).

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