Differences in Prey Capture Behavior in Populations of Blue Crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Callinectes sapidus</Emphasis> Rathbun) from Contaminated and Clean Estuaries in New Jersey |
| |
Authors: | Jessica M Reichmuth Ross Roudez Terry Glover Judith S Weis |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;(2) Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Populations living in contaminated environments may exhibit behavioral changes that can alter predator–prey interactions.
Blue crabs from the contaminated Hackensack Meadowlands (HM) had reduced ability to capture juvenile blue crabs and adult
mummichogs (both active prey) compared with crabs from a reference site (Tuckerton (TK)). However, they consumed equivalent
amounts of ribbed mussels and fiddler crabs, which are less active prey. Crabs may have reduced coordination rather than appetite
or motivation. The lab data are supported by stomach analysis of field-caught crabs. HM crab stomachs contained ∼60% algae,
plant material, detritus, and sediment and much lower weights of crab, fish, and other live food than TK crabs. However, the
relative absence of bivalves in their diet may reflect reduced amounts available. When TK crabs were caged in HM or fed food
from HM in the lab for 8 weeks, their prey capture ability declined significantly, and mercury in their muscle tissue increased
significantly, indicating that environmental factors were responsible for the behavioral differences. When HM crabs were caged
in TK or fed fish from TK in the lab for 8 weeks, their prey capture ability improved significantly. Mercury levels were variable
and did not show a significant decrease. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|