Effect of temperature on the Emergence, activity and feeding of male and female Sand Crabs (Portunus pelagicus)

Abstract

The effect of temperature on emergence, activity and feeding of the sand crab, Portunus pelagicus (L.), was measured under laboratory conditions. Crab emergence was greatest at night, particularly shortly after dusk. Males were significantly more active than females, but the activity of both sexes declined with falling temperature. There were no significant differences in the amount of food consumed by male and female P. pelagicus within the temperature range 16.5-26ºC. It was concluded that sexual differences in catchability, as a result of differential activity and feeding, were not responsible for the seasonal changes in catch per unit effort of male and female P. pelagicus in the Moreton Bay trap fishery.