title: Feeding Behavior of a Crab According to Cheliped Number.
abstract: Cheliped loss through autotomy is a common reflexive response in decapod crustaceans. Cheliped loss has direct and indirect effects on feeding behavior which can affect population dynamics and the role of species in the community. In this study, we assessed the impact of autotomy (0, 1, or 2 cheliped loss) on feeding behavior in the crab Pachygrapsus transversus, an omnivorous and abundant species that inhabits subtropical intertidal rocky shores along the South Atlantic Ocean. Autotomy altered crab feeding patterns and foraging behavior; however, the time spent foraging on animal prey or algae was not affected. These results indicate a plasticity of feeding behavior in P. transversus, allowing them to maintain feeding when injured.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Instituto de Biociências (IBB-UNESP), Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Diogo Nunes
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto do Mar, Campus Baixada Santista (IMar/UNIFESP), Av. Alm. Saldanha da Gama, 89 - Ponta da Praia; Santos (SP)-Brazil.
authors.forename: Ronaldo Adriano
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Christofoletti
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Caunesp, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Egydio
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Barreto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003386:Brachyura / Q000502:physiology*; D005121:Extremities / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological