Articles tagged with Crustaceans
Researchers develop a bacteria-fighting wound dressing made from the shells of crustaceans, which could prevent up to tens of thousands of infections annually. The dressing combines chitosan, an antibacterial and biodegradable substance extracted from crustacean shells, with hydrogel dressings to create a durable and elastic solution.
Ghost crabs actively select dark sand for dark-colored individuals and light sand for light-colored ones, showcasing active choice in crypsis. This behavior has implications for understanding anti-predator adaptations and evolution.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have found that sea scorpions likely used their serrated tail spines to kill ancient early vertebrates. The study suggests that these prehistoric predators could slash their tails from side to side, using a horizontal slashing motion to capture and dispatch their prey.
A newly discovered pistol shrimp species has been named Synalpheus pinkfloydi in recognition of Pink Floyd's influence. The bright pink-clawed shrimp creates a loud sonic energy similar to the band's iconic sound.
A seven-year study reveals that mangrove conversion to agricultural uses results in a land-use carbon footprint of 1,440-1,603 pounds of CO2 for beef and shrimp production, respectively. This amounts to approximately the same greenhouse gas emissions as driving a fuel-efficient automobile from Los Angeles to New York City.
Marine ecologists at HKU have discovered a new species of mangrove-climbing crab, Haberma tingkok, found only in the Ting Kok area of Hong Kong. The crab is small, dark brown, and has elongated legs, representing the second endemic mangrove crab species described in Hong Kong.
A new genus and new species of fully arboreal crab was discovered in the Western Ghats, India. The species, named Kani maranjandu, is characterized by its elongated walking legs and can be found living in trees.
Researchers found that eusociality in marine snapping shrimps emerges when hatchlings remain close to home, suggesting the importance of kin selection in driving social evolution. The study provides new insights into how complex social systems evolved in marine life.
A new species of terrestrial crab has been discovered in Hong Kong, with characteristics including a dark brown carapace and long legs. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts due to habitat destruction caused by pollution and land reclamation.
Scientists have discovered a 430 million-year-old crustacean fossil, named Cascolus ravitis, in recognition of Sir David Attenborough's contributions to natural history. The exceptionally well-preserved fossil reveals details about the animal's body plan, limbs, and respiratory-circulatory physiology.
Juvenile polar cod rely heavily on ice algae for sustenance, with 50-90% of their carbon coming from these tiny organisms. As Arctic sea ice melts, the fish's food source is threatened, posing a risk to the entire food web.
The Oxford University Press will publish the Journal of Crustacean Biology, a scientific journal covering crustacean biology and marine arthropods. The journal has undergone a facelift with a new format and style, expanding article types to include Research Notes and comprehensive reviews.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that bottlenose dolphins near Savannah, Georgia are divided into six social clusters, with half following shrimp trawlers and the other half not. This suggests that foraging behavior around humans may be socially learned.
Researchers found that Lybia boxer crabs acquire sea anemones by stealing from each other and splitting them into two identical clones. The study, published in PeerJ, involved over 100 crabs observed in the wild and laboratory experiments.
A mathematical modeling study suggests that female beauty in animals may be driven by factors beyond romantic attraction. In some species, traits like red-tipped claws or feathery fringes on legs help females compete for resources such as social status or protection.
A new Duke-led analysis reveals that hypoxic dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico drive up the price of large shrimp relative to smaller sizes, causing economic ripples for consumers, fishermen, and seafood markets. The study provides the first evidence linking Gulf hypoxia to economic impacts.
A new species of hermit crab with bright red stripes has been discovered in the Caribbean. The species, named Pylopaguropsis mollymullerae, features a unique pincer shape and is believed to have an ecological association with moray eels.
A new fossil site in Canada has yielded exceptionally preserved Jurassic marine fossils, including soft-bodied species that rarely fossilize. The site, known as a Konservat-Lagerstätte, offers a unique snapshot of life in the Early Jurassic Panthalassa Ocean.
Researchers from Texas A&M University captured the first-ever footage of a living stylodactylid shrimp filter-feeding at a staggering depth of 4826 meters. The high-quality video reveals the shrimp using its front legs to form a 'filter basket' and captures unprecedented behavior among carideans.
A new species of crab has been discovered in coral rubble off the coast of Guam, with a genus name inspired by 'Harry Potter' character Harry Conley. The species features reduced eyes and well-developed antennae to survive in dark depths.
Dungeness crabs and groundfish such as rockfish and sole are expected to decline due to ocean acidification, while coastal pelagic fish are only slightly affected. The study projects a $220 million annual value decline in Dungeness crab fisheries over the next 50 years.
Bioengineers at the University of Nottingham are trialling biodegradable prawn shopping bags as a 'green' alternative to oil-based plastics. The new material, optimised for Egyptian conditions, aims to lower carbon emissions and reduce food waste.
Researchers found a strong correlation between domoic acid levels in shellfish and El Niño events and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. A new model predicts domoic acid risks in the Pacific Northwest, helping coastal managers protect public health.
Researchers found that Caribbean spiny lobsters get 20% of their food from lucinid clams with chemosynthetic bacteria in their gills. This discovery highlights the importance of chemosynthesis in shallow waters, supporting populations and fisheries worth millions.
The coconut crab's claws possess the strongest pinching force of any crustacean, with a maximum recorded force of 3,300 newtons, surpassing that of other crustaceans and most terrestrial animals except alligators.
Researchers have designed a model network of marine reserves to protect spiny lobsters and increase fishing yields in Honduras. The study resolves the 'conserve or catch' conflict by showing that it's possible to balance conservation and economic goals.
A new species of tiny, pea-sized crab has been found to parasitize a large date mussel in the Solomon Islands. The crab, named Serenotheres janus, features a unique characteristic plate on its carapace, similar to the two-faced Roman god Janus.
A new genus and new species of freshwater crab, Yuebeipotamon calciatile, has been discovered in southern China's pet market. The species has distinctive features including a maroon-colored carapace, reddish-purplish claws and legs, and long slender legs that aid in climbing and movement.
Researchers found that killer shrimps drove native amphipods out of hiding places, making them easy prey for round gobies. The invasive crustaceans played an indirect role in the decline of native species.
New research reveals female fiddler crabs visit and leave males to find safe burrows from predators, not perfect matches. Female fiddler crabs use a map of burrow positions to survive bird attacks, which is crucial for both mate-searching and burrow-seeking females.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that lobsters wrap their feces in protective membranes to prevent jellyfish stingers from injecting venom. This finding advances efforts for sustainable lobster aquaculture and informs the development of artificial food for farmed lobsters.
Researchers have discovered previously unknown regularities of arthropod limbs based on studies of the remipede Speleonectes tulumensis. The analysis revealed that mathematical formulas can predict the number of setae on each appendage, shedding light on the evolutionary mechanisms of these crustaceans.
Researchers found that mantis shrimp assess opponent strength and aggression using a combination of UV reflectance and chemical signals, allowing them to avoid losing fights. This complex signaling system helps mantis shrimp determine the likelihood of victory in combat.
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp use eye rotations to improve their polarized light vision. This unique ability has significant implications for the development of automated visual systems, particularly in underwater exploration and materials analysis.
The Crab Nebula is home to a spinning neutron star with a 'heartbeat' radiation signature, emitting clock-like pulses of energy. The neutron star is surrounded by expanding debris and glowing gas, revealing the intricate details of this cosmic object.
Researchers found that some male banana fiddler crabs in Australia use a coercion tactic to mate, trapping females in tight burrows. This strategy increases mating odds for males when females enter first.
Researchers develop novel herringbone structure in dactyl club, enabling incredible damage to prey while resisting fracture. The unique structure is composed of crystalline calcium phosphate and chitin fibers, offering a new pathway to create ultra-strong composite materials.
A consortium of researchers from the University of Southampton and other institutions is leading a project to calculate the role of physical pond conditions in controlling two devastating pathogens affecting Asian aquaculture. The team aims to develop new guidelines for disease management and novel intervention methods.
Male fiddler crabs produce female-luring vibrations in their burrows, serving as a type of 'Morse code' that females decipher to learn about suitors. The length and interval of pulses convey information on male characteristics, influencing female decision-making during mating.
A University of Adelaide study found that males with large claws on one side are more gregarious and attractive to females. The left-clawed males tend to disperse more rapidly and occupy more habitats, increasing their chances of encountering a female.
A new study by NOAA Fisheries finds that ocean acidification may slow development and reduce survival of Dungeness crab larvae, which are key to the Northwest marine ecosystem. The research suggests that lower pH levels could extend vulnerable larval periods or jeopardize timing in relation to food sources.
A research team captured unique video of thousands of red crabs swarming in low-oxygen waters just above the seafloor off Panama. The crabs were identified as Pleuroncodes planipes and represent a new southernmost range for the species.
Male fiddler crabs use deception to their favour by blurring the line between original and regrown claws. They adapt their combat strategies based on claw strength, opting for smaller opponents with weakened regrown claws to avoid injury.
A study by UC San Diego biologists found that beach replenishment with offshore sand can lead to a twofold reduction in the abundance of intertidal invertebrates after 15 months. The researchers also discovered that some species, such as sandhoppers and bean clams, recovered within a year, while others declined sharply.
A study found that infected brine shrimp were more resistant to arsenic toxicity, with increased fat-containing droplets and changes in oxidative stress markers. The researchers suggest that parasite infection may protect the shrimp against pollutants through a mechanism known as 'survival of the fattest',
Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered a new way to create polarizers using the polarization of light in mantis shrimp. This innovative solution could lead to improved optical technologies, such as cameras and sunglasses.
Two new studies by Cornell University researchers link warming ocean temperatures to increased disease outbreaks in marine organisms, including lobsters and sea stars. The findings highlight the need for advanced warning systems to prevent disease outbreaks and protect economically important species.
Cobia, a promising fish for aquaculture, has recently been reported from the Colombian and Panamanian Pacific coast, indicating their rapid spread. The species is considered an excellent food fish, but its invasive potential poses significant threats to native ecosystems in the Eastern Pacific.
A study found that male hummingbirds drive female birds away from yellow-flowered plants, while females prefer red flowers due to male aggression. This competition may lead to the evolution of multiple flower forms to suit different pollinators.
Researchers successfully reconstructed the internal structure of a compound eye from a predatory crustacean dating back 160 million years. This groundbreaking discovery reveals that soft tissue was preserved and provides new insights into the evolution of visual systems, challenging previous assumptions about fossil preservation.
A study by researchers at William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows that removal of derelict crab pots and lobster traps can increase landings by 293,929 metric tons and boost annual revenues by $831 million. The effort generated more than $20 million in harvest value for area watermen in Chesapeake Bay.
Snapping shrimp sound patterns show seasonal variations, with more snaps per minute during summer and fewer during winter. The research highlights the importance of long-term acoustic sampling in understanding marine soundscape ecology.
A new study from Oregon State University found that Dungeness crab fishermen experience a high rate of non-fatal injuries, with the majority occurring during vessel disasters. The researchers also discovered that many of these injuries go unreported, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and reporting systems in the industry.
Researchers found record-breaking levels of domoic acid in a range of species, including fish and Dungeness crab. The toxin's persistence in the food web and sediments led to prolonged exposure and harm to both humans and marine life.
Researchers quantify the amount of drag on entangled whales created by towing fishing gear, revealing significant effects on energy costs and survival. The study provides crucial data for evaluating risks and benefits of whale disentanglements and reinforces current efforts to minimize entangling gear.
Fiddler crabs use polarization vision to enhance detection of objects and rivals. The research found that male crabs responded to approaching targets by freezing, running back home, and assuming a position of vigilance.
Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that mantis shrimp use circular polarised patterns as a means to covertly advertise their presence to aggressive competitors. This new form of light communication has potential applications in satellite remote sensing, biomedical imaging, and computer data storage. The study also f...
Researchers found that predators benefit from eating invasive prey only when their traditional diet remains intact. Native prey is necessary for predators to stay healthy and prosper. Invasive species may provide a supplemental food source, but they don't replace native prey, which is essential for predator survival.
Researchers found no barriers to prevent king crab populations from arriving on the shallow continental shelf if the water becomes warm enough. The arrival of these crustaceans could radically alter the ecosystem and diminish marine biodiversity globally.
New study reveals blue crabs can survive at oxygen levels as low as 1.3mg/L, contrary to previous findings. Rising water temperatures exacerbate the effects of hypoxia on blue crabs, threatening their populations and management.