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Studies on the Relationship between Inachus phalangium FABRICIUS (Maiidae) and Anemonia sulcata PENNANT in their natural environment
Author(s) -
Weinbauer G.,
Nussbaumer V.,
Patzner R. A.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
marine ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.668
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1439-0485
pISSN - 0173-9565
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0485.1982.tb00379.x
Subject(s) - biology , zoology
. The relationship between Inachus phalangium and Anemonia sulcata was investigated in situ. Periodical controls of Anemonia harbouring Inachus revealed that less than half of the crabs remained in their Anemonia whereas the others disappeared. All crabs removed and released returned to Anemonia indicating a clear preference for this species of actinian. Washing with acetone completely removed the crab's protection against the Anemonia. A third of the acetone‐treated animals was ingested when replaced in the Anemonia. Inachus‐Anemonia contact is required for the crab to gain protection and acquire a potential acclimatizing behaviour. A method is described to mark Inachus. Crabs found together with Anemonia are listed.