Triggerfish learns to catch more diverse food
A titan triggerfish was observed catching a Red Sea ghost crab in shallow water without beaching itself. This unique behavior highlights the fish's ability to learn and adapt its feeding strategy.
Crustaceans
Articles tagged with Crustaceans
Scientists release previously unseen footage showing environmental impacts of pot fishing
Research reveals that 14 out of 18 species observed suffered damage from pot fishing, including indicators of general health in the marine environment. The study highlights the need for authorities and fishing communities to balance ecology with social and economic considerations.
Crabs are key to ecology and economy in Oman
The article highlights the importance of crabs in Oman's ecology and economy, with Barr Al Hikman nature reserve being a crucial nursery ground for numerous crab species. The research shows that millions of crabs inhabit the reserve, providing food for hundreds of thousands of birds.
Invasive shrimp-sucking parasite continues northward Pacific expansion
Researchers have identified an invasive blood-sucking parasite on mud shrimp in British Columbia's Calvert Island, marking the northern-most record of its spread. The parasite, a bopyrid isopod, decimates mud shrimp populations and disrupts delicate ecosystems.
New species of freshwater Crustacea found in the hottest place on earth
A new species of freshwater Crustacea, Phallocryptus fahimii, has been identified in the Lut desert in Iran. The discovery highlights the resilience of crustaceans to extreme environments. Found in a small seasonal lake, these animals are adapted to survive for decades in arid conditions.
Notice me! Neglected for over a century, Black sea spider crab re-described
After a century of being ignored by scientists, the Black sea spider crab has been re-described by a research team led by Dr Vassily Spiridonov. The team analyzed molecular genetic barcode data to confirm that Macropodia czernjawskii is a distinct species with epibiosis, including a non-indigenous red alga species found in its epibiosis.
Fitness trackers, environmental sensors could improve survival in lobster supply chain
A two-year project is prototyping miniature fitness trackers and environmental sensors to monitor lobsters' health and shipping conditions. The devices aim to reduce mortality and improve survival in the lobster supply chain, valued at nearly half a billion dollars annually.
New studies find agricultural pesticides can affect prawns and oysters
Research from Southern Cross University found that imidacloprid, a common agricultural pesticide, can impact the feeding behavior of prawns, leading to nutritional deficiency and reduced flesh quality. Sydney rock oysters are also vulnerable to imidacloprid exposure.
UCI materials scientists study a sea creature that packs a powerful punch
Researchers at UCI are learning about resilience from the mantis shrimp, which has a uniquely designed nanoparticle coating that absorbs and dissipates energy. This finding has significant implications for engineered materials in various industries.
Strianassa lerayi anker, new shrimp species from Panama's Coiba national park
Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered a new species of mud-shrimp, Strianassa lerayi anker, and a highly mobile clam, in Panama's Coiba National Park. The discovery is part of a larger project to better understand the role of microbes in shaping tropical ecosystems.
Palaeontology: 429-million-year-old eye provides a view of trilobite life
A 429-million-year-old trilobite fossil's internal structure reveals similarities with modern bee eyes and compound eyes of crustaceans. The findings suggest that vision principles in these insects have remained largely unchanged since the Palaeozoic era.
Scientist to resurrect water fleas from U.S. nuclear fallout zone
A researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington is using Daphnia, or water fleas, to study the long-term evolutionary impacts of nuclear testing. By hatching decades-old eggs and measuring their viability and traits, Matthew Walsh aims to understand how nuclear-induced mutations affect generations of water fleas.
Seafood study finds plastic in all samples
A new study found that five different types of seafood - oysters, prawns, squid, crabs, and sardines - contain plastic, with varying levels of pollution. The research used a newly developed method to identify and measure five different plastic types, revealing surprising differences in the amount of plastic present among species.
Climate change is impacting the spread of invasive animal species
Climate change is fueling the rapid expansion of invasive species like the Asian shore crab into previously unknown habitats. This study finds that climate warming can predict the speed and extent of these invasions by examining the early developmental stages of larvae, which are often more vulnerable to environmental fluctuations.
Microplastics in shrimp harmless to animal health and no effects on consumption quality
Research finds microplastics in deep-sea shrimp do not affect their health, despite high concentrations. The study suggests that shrimp can eliminate ingested fibers through exoskeleton shedding.
UNH scientists find faster way to count animal sperm using DNA
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have identified a quicker and less expensive way to count sperm in lobsters using DNA technology. This new method could help scientists better understand mating and population sustainability in various species.
Two new species of parasite discovered in crabs -- discovery will help prevent infection of other marine species
Two new species of parasite have been discovered in crabs, which could potentially harm commercially important crustaceans. The researchers' findings suggest that the shore crab's habitat may influence the presence and prevalence of pathogens.
How crabs reshape salt marshes
A species of crab, Sesarma reticulatum, is reshaping the landscape of marshlands in the southeastern US. The crab's burrowing and grazing activities lead to erosion of creek heads, accelerating marsh drainage and altering ecosystem dynamics.
Burrowing crabs reshaping salt marshes, with climate change to blame
A new study reveals how climate change has enabled Sesarma reticulatum to thrive in southern salt marshes, dramatically altering ecosystem dynamics and clearing grasses that hold the marshes together. This has led to increased rates of creek formation and changes in interactions between predators and prey species.
Technique fishes valuable nutrients out of shrimp processing water
Researchers have developed a sustainable method to recover valuable nutrients from shrimp processing water, including protein and lipids, for use in food or feed. The technique combines food-grade flocculants with dissolved air flotation, capturing up to 98% of the protein present in the water.
Microplastic pollution harms lobster larvae, study finds
Researchers found that microplastic fibers impact lobster larvae's feeding and respiration. Young lobsters accumulate fibers under their shells, while older larvae ingest particles but keep them in their digestive systems.
'Spear and shield' inspire high toughness microstructure
A team of scientists designed a discontinuous fibrous Bouligand architecture to create exceptional fracture toughness and crack orientation insensitivity. The study reveals the origin of biomimetic microstructures for high-performance advanced composite materials.
NUS researchers uncover mysterious tanaids
Two new tanaid species were discovered by NUS researchers in the eastern Pacific Ocean, providing insights into biodiversity in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The discovery is significant for environmental management, as it sheds light on the ecosystems and potential resource areas of this understudied region.
Recovering otter populations yield more benefits than costs
A new study finds that sea otter recovery generates significant economic benefits, including increased tourism and carbon capture, which outweigh the losses to commercial fisheries by up to $46 million annually. However, the costs of recovery are not evenly distributed, with Indigenous communities experiencing disproportionate impacts.
American lobster, sea scallop habitat could shift off the northeast
Researchers project that American lobster will move further offshore and sea scallops will shift north in the coming decades. The study's findings pose fishery management challenges as changing habitats can impact where species can be caught and who has access to them.
Scientists detect Crab Nebula using innovative gamma-ray telescope
Researchers have successfully detected gamma rays from the Crab Nebula using a next-generation telescope, shedding new light on supernovae and dark matter. The prototype Schwarzschild-Couder Telescope promises to enhance imaging detail over larger field of view across the sky.
Researchers take a cue from nature to create bulletproof coatings
Engineers produce high-impact multilayered coatings using chitin from shrimp, mushrooms, and other organisms, which can protect against bullets, lasers, toxic gas, and other dangers. The coatings aim to be biodegradable by design, reducing environmental impact.
Fishing less could be a win for both lobstermen and endangered whales
A new study suggests that operating with fewer traps and a shorter season in the US lobster fishery may be more profitable for fishermen while also protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales. The research found that Massachusetts fishers have caught more lobster since implementing a three-month fishing closure, while Maine's lob...
Marine biology: Spiny lobster noises may be heard up to 3 km away
A study recorded spiny lobster antennal rasps at distances of up to 400m, with large individuals detectable up to 3 km away in low-noise conditions. This non-invasive tool helps monitor and survey populations of vulnerable spiny lobsters.
Virus prevalence associated with habitat
New research finds that virus infection rates in lobsters are related to their habitat, with seagrass meadows showing a protective effect against the spread of disease. The study's findings support efforts to safeguard Caribbean spiny lobster populations and boost understanding of viral dynamics.
New test identifies lobster hybrids
Researchers have developed a test to identify lobster hybrids resulting from crossbreeding between European and American lobsters, posing a potential threat to conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of genetics in distinguishing hybrid lobsters that may spread unwanted genes across native populations.
The North Atlantic right whale population is in poor condition
A recent study found that North Atlantic right whales are in poorer body condition than Southern right whales, likely due to vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and changes in food supply. This decline affects the species' reproduction, growth, and survival.
North Atlantic right whales are in much poorer condition than Southern right whales
Research reveals North Atlantic right whales are in poorer body condition than Southern right whales, affecting reproduction and growth rates. The study suggests lethal vessel strikes, entanglement, and food scarcity contribute to their decline.
How do mantis shrimp find their way home?
Researchers found that mantis shrimps rely on external cues from the sun, followed by polarization patterns in light, before using their internal navigation system when other options are unavailable. These findings provide new insights into the complex behaviors of these fascinating creatures.
Lobster digestion of microplastics could further foul the food chain
Researchers found that lobsters in Sardinia can eat and break down larger plastic particles, releasing smaller fragments into their intestines. These tiny particles, or "secondary" microplastics, could be more bioavailable to smaller creatures in the deep-sea food chain.
An affordable and fast clinical test that can save human lives and spares at-risk population
A new clinical test uses sustainable harvesting of horseshoe crab amebocytes to save human lives and spare at-risk population. The method enables fast, affordable, and precise tests on specially treated human blood.
Neanderthals: Pioneers in the use of marine resources
Researchers discovered remains of various marine animals in a Portuguese cave occupied by Neanderthals between 106,000 and 86,000 BCE. This finding suggests that many Neanderthal groups shared similar dietary habits, contradicting the common perception of them as cold-climate hunters.
Building a better color vision test for animals
Researchers have developed a mini movie theater to measure the color spectrum visible to fiddler crabs, revealing their ability to discriminate between different wavelengths of light. The device uses blue and green light-emitting diodes and tilted screens to stimulate the crabs' reaction.
'Sushi parasites' have increased 283-fold in past 40 years
A new study found a dramatic increase in the global abundance of Anisakis worms, also known as herring worms, which can be transmitted to humans through raw or undercooked seafood. The parasite's rise could have implications for human health and marine mammal populations.
HKU scientists find high concentrations of toxic phenyltin compounds in local Chinese white dolphins
Researchers found elevated concentrations of TPT in Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises, with the highest concentration being five times higher than reported in false killer whales. Biomagnification of TPT compounds has significant implications for local dolphin populations and human health.
Ship noise leaves crabs too stressed to hide from danger
Researchers found that ship noise weakens shore crabs' ability to change shell color and respond to danger. The study shows that even for animals not primarily using sound, noise pollution can impact survival behaviors.
Ship noise hampers crab camouflage
Research shows that ship noise affects shore crabs' ability to change color and behave normally, reducing their camouflage effectiveness. The study found that juvenile crabs exposed to ship noise changed color half as quickly, making them less camouflaged.
West coast dungeness crab stable or increasing even with intensive harvest, research shows
Research shows that West Coast Dungeness crab numbers are stable or increasing, with Central California catches averaging five times those of past decades. The fishery's success may be attributed to fishing regulations protecting reproductive potential and natural variability in ocean conditions.
The brains of shrimps and insects are more alike than we thought
A new study reveals that crustaceans like shrimps and lobsters have a similar brain structure to insects, called mushroom bodies, which are essential for learning and memory. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that these structures are unique to insects.
Powerful mantis shrimp pull punches in air for self-preservation
Researchers found that mantis shrimp's hammer blows are significantly weaker in air compared to water, with forces averaging only 18 km/h. The crustaceans may be downgrading their attacks to avoid joint damage and injury.
Warming oceans are getting louder (audio available)
Researchers found that warmer waters increase the frequency and intensity of snapping shrimp sounds, which could dominate coastal ocean soundscapes. This might impact fish communication, human sonar instruments, and even Navy mine detection systems.
Cuttlefish eat less for lunch when they know there'll be shrimp for dinner
When provided with a reliable shrimp dinner, cuttlefish eat fewer crabs during the day, showcasing selective foraging behavior. They adapt quickly to changes in their environment by leveraging past experiences and adjusting their strategy accordingly.
'Blob' research shows ecological effects that halted fishing and hiked whale entanglements
A new study found that record-breaking whale entanglements in the Pacific Northwest were triggered by a unique marine heatwave, known as the 'Blob', which altered fish populations and habitats. The research has led to the development of online tools to help fishermen avoid entanglement risks.
Microplastics affect sand crabs' mortality and reproduction, PSU study finds
A recent Portland State University study found that sand crabs' adult mortality increases and reproductive success decreases when exposed to plastic microfibers. Microplastic exposure also affects embryonic development rates, potentially impacting higher trophic levels in the food chain.
Paleontology: New species of prehistoric scorpion may have been early land explorer
A new species of prehistoric scorpion, Parioscorpio venator, is discovered with characteristics similar to present-day scorpions and horseshoe crabs. The fossils suggest that scorpions may have adapted to life on land earlier than previously thought, possibly using similar pathways as modern horseshoe crabs.
Competing crabs don't fight over 'homes'
Two hermit crab species, Coenobita rugosus and C. perlatus, coexist on the same beaches by selecting differently shaped shells as their homes. The study found that C. rugosus prefers short, spherical shells, while C. perlatus prefers elongated shells with a narrow opening.
Research brief: 3D movies reveal how cuttlefish determine distance when striking at prey
Researchers investigated how cuttlefish determine the best distance to strike moving prey and found that they use stereopsis to perceive depth. The study revealed that cuttlefish brains are significantly different from humans in processing vision, with a unique area comparing images from both eyes.
Cuttlefish use depth perception similar to vertebrate vision when hunting prey
Cuttlefish use stereopsis to estimate depth of prey, striking at it with tentacles after coordinating eye movement. This process is similar to that of vertebrates, challenging the understanding of cephalopod visual processing.
NASA's great observatories help astronomers build a 3D visualization of an exploded star
Astronomers use NASA's Great Observatories to create a three-dimensional representation of the dynamic Crab Nebula, an exploding star. The visualization highlights the pulsar at the heart of the nebula and its intricate structures.
Compound eyes: The visual apparatus of today's horseshoe crabs goes back 400 million years
Researchers found identical structures in horseshoe crab and ancient sea scorpion eyes, suggesting contrast enhancement evolved over 400 million years. The findings shed light on the evolution of compound eyes in arthropods.
Project to enhance shrimp and fish health in Bangladesh
The University of Stirling has launched a pioneering tool to minimize environmental and occupational health risks in shrimp farming. The Pedigree project aims to bring research into practical use, providing a 'traffic-light system' to differentiate riskier from higher-quality probiotic products.
New fossil shrimp species from Colombia helps fill 160 million-year gap
Researchers have discovered a new fossil species of comma shrimp in Colombia, filling a 160 million-year gap in the evolution of these crustaceans. The fossils, which include hundreds of individuals, are remarkably well preserved and provide insights into the origins and relationships of these marine arthropods.
How mantis shrimp make sense of the world
Researchers found a 'kidney-shaped' brain region that processes and integrates visual information with other sensory inputs. This discovery sheds new light on how mantis shrimp make sense of their breathtaking visual input.
Mantis shrimp vs. disco clams: Colorful sea creatures do more than dazzle
Researchers have discovered that peacock mantis shrimp prefer the taste of white meat over red tissue from disco clams, suggesting that color may not be a warning signal. The study aims to determine whether mantis shrimp can learn to fear the color red and its potential role in evolution.
Crab disease poses threat to shellfish stocks
Researchers found 13.6% of shore crabs infected with Hematodinium parasite, highest rates in spring and male crabs. Environmental DNA analysis revealed early stages of parasite development not present in crabs.