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MEPS 744:69-82 (2024)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14668

Activity of the shallow-water hydrothermal vent crab Xenograpsus testudinatus is affected by tides, water temperature, and light intensity

Benny K. K. Chan1, Jyun-Cheng Guo2, Chien-Lin Chen2, Tin-Yam Chan2,3,*

1Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, ROC
2Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan, ROC
3Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan, ROC
*Corresponding author:

ABSTRACT: The activity pattern of the shallow-water hydrothermal vent crab Xenograpsus testudinatus in the vent and peripheral regions of Kueishan Island, Taiwan, was observed using an underwater time-lapse camera with infrared lighting during 7 consecutive 2-3 d periods. Hourly tide levels, in situ water temperature, pH, and light intensity were recorded to examine any effects of these environmental factors on crab activity. Time series analysis using spectral density plots indicated that crab activities were not rhythmic. Nevertheless, cross-correlation analysis and Pearson’s correlation showed that crab density in the vent region was negatively correlated with tide but positively correlated with water temperature and light intensity. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that water temperature, tide levels, and light intensity are significant predictors of crab density. There were no significant differences in crab density among specific tide periods, and thus, a previous hypothesis that vent crabs emerge in large swarms during slack waters was rejected. The vent region is a refuge from predators, with crabs more active during daytime low tides and during periods with higher water temperatures. Crab density in the peripheral region is positively correlated with tide but negatively correlated with pH, indicating that crabs there are more active at high tides while foraging and during periods with lower pH, probably when there are fewer predators. Stepwise multiple regression revealed pH and tides were significant predictors for crab density in the peripheral region.


KEY WORDS: Crustacea · Brachyura · Diurnal activity · Behavior · Underwater monitoring · Infrared


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Cite this article as: Chan BKK, Guo JC, Chen CL, Chan TY (2024) Activity of the shallow-water hydrothermal vent crab Xenograpsus testudinatus is affected by tides, water temperature, and light intensity. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 744:69-82. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14668

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