Journal article

Publication year: 1983

Pages: 1-14

Journal: Crustaceana:International Journal of Crustacean Research

Volume number: 45

Issue number: JUL

ISSN: 0011-216X

eISSN: 1568-5403

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1163/156854083X00145

Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers

Abstract: 
Five species of Porcellanidae from the Caribbean Sea establish commensal relationships with other animals. In 4 of the described cases, comparable relationships exist also in the eastern Pacific. The origins of the discussed commensalisms are assumed to date prior to the final formation of the Central American land-bridge. In all cases the host provides protection to the commensal crab. In Minyocerus angustus (Dana), Polyonyx gibbesi Haig and Porcellana sayana (Leach) the host serves as an auxiliary substrate which enables the porcellanid crab to colonize soft bottom habitats, normally not suitable for porcellanids. This interpretation is supported by P. sayana whose different hosts are not characterized by systematic relationship but by having the same habitat and by the requirements of the commensal as to the external structure and the habits of the host. Species which live as obligate commensals in a definite geographical region, may be free-living elsewhere under different ecological conditions. As regulating factors, competition and predation are considered.

Harvard Citation style: WERDING, B. (1983) COMMENSAL PORCELLANID CRABS OF THE CARIBBEAN (DECAPODA, ANOMURA), Crustaceana:International Journal of Crustacean Research, 45(JUL), pp. 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1163/156854083X00145

APA Citation style: WERDING, B. (1983). COMMENSAL PORCELLANID CRABS OF THE CARIBBEAN (DECAPODA, ANOMURA). Crustaceana:International Journal of Crustacean Research. 45(JUL), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1163/156854083X00145