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Effects of geophysical cycles on the rhythm of mass mate searching of a harvested mangrove crab

Schmidt, Anders Jensen; Bemvenuti, Carlos Em�lio; Diele, Karen

Authors

Anders Jensen Schmidt

Carlos Em�lio Bemvenuti



Abstract

The harvested mangrove crab Ucides cordatus exhibits conspicuous cycles of searching for mates en masse. This phenomenon, called andada, always occurs at the syzygies, but the particular moon phase, full, new or rarely both, varies for unknown reasons. The presence and absence of andada activities of a Northeast Brazilian crab population was assessed by boat between 2006 and 2011. In 2008 crabs were additionally collected in sampling plots to determine the duration and intensity of andada events and in 2010 the timing of andada with respect to the light:dark cycle and tidal cycle was studied by observations from platforms. We found that andada occurred during the day and night and that the rhythm of mate searching was linked to the syzygy tide inequality cycle (STIC). Andada shifted between new and full moon, depending upon which moon phase had the higher amplitude tides. The ultimate cause of andada is likely to be increased larval survival after synchronous release at highest amplitude spring tides 1 month later. Such anticipatory behaviour is probably under endogenous control. The results of this study can help to improve temporal placements of capture bans for this harvested species and reduce current conflicts between fishers and regulatory agencies.

Citation

Schmidt, A. J., Bemvenuti, C. E., & Diele, K. (2012). Effects of geophysical cycles on the rhythm of mass mate searching of a harvested mangrove crab. Animal Behaviour, 84(2), 333-340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.04.023

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 30, 2012
Online Publication Date Jun 7, 2012
Publication Date 2012-08
Deposit Date Sep 23, 2013
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Animal Behaviour
Print ISSN 0003-3472
Electronic ISSN 1095-8282
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 84
Issue 2
Pages 333-340
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.04.023
Keywords Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/6362
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.04.023