Predation of the ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa by the blue crab Callinectes sapidus
Seed, R. (1982). Predation of the ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa by the blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Neth. J. Sea Res. 16: 163-172
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, meer
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| Abstract |
Callinectes sapidus fed extensively on Geukensia demissa in laboratory aquaria. Several predation techniques used by Callinectes to open its prey are reported. Prey value decreases monotonically with increasing mussel size. Crabs consumed mussels over a wide size range but were generally reluctant to feed on larger mussels whilst smaller, more profitable prey was available. The relative importance of "energy maximization" and "time minimization" could not be distinguished. The distribution and population structure of Geukensia at Beaufort, N. Carolina are briefly considered in terms of the foraging strategy of Callinectes. |
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