Agonistic behaviour and sound production during male-male varunid crabs (Cyrtograpsus angulatus, Dana 1851) encounters

CERAULO M.; SAL MOYANO M. P.; BAZTERRICA MC; HIDALGO F.; SNITMAN S; PAPALE E.; BUSCAINO G.; GAVIO M. A.

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

MDPI AG

Año: 2022

2077-1312

Crustacean sounds are the main contributor to shallow water soundscape biophoniccomponents. Here, we investigate the sound production of Cyrtograpsus angulatus, one of themost important intertidal decapods of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Underwater audio andvideo were recorded during encounters among male pairs. Two kinds of experimental settingswere conducted involving same-size (SS) and different-size (DS) male crabs. Behavioural states,behavioural events and sound emissions were investigated. SS spent more time in contact andstill behaviour and showing competitive interactions than did DS. Crabs presented body displaysinvolving chelae, legs and maxillae movements with the same frequency during both settings. Ourresults demonstrate the production of impulsive sounds in male C. angulatus with high rates duringcontacts and still behaviour (specifically during agonistic interactions and body displays withoutcontact between individuals). Further, we were able to describe behavioural-related variabilitywithin impulsive sounds. These outcomes provide a better understanding of the role andbehavioural context of these sounds in the natural soundscape.