Biol. Bull. Sign up for etocs!
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

Biol Bull 125: 311-331. (October 1963)
© 1963 Marine Biological Laboratory
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF) Free
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by KNOWLTON, R. E.
Right arrow Articles by MOULTON, J. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by KNOWLTON, R. E.
Right arrow Articles by MOULTON, J. M.

SOUND PRODUCTION IN THE SNAPPING SHRIMPS ALPHEUS (CRANGON) AND SYNALPHEUS

ROBERT E. KNOWLTON 1 and JAMES M. MOULTON 2

1 Department of Biology, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
2 Bermuda Biological Station, St. George's West, Bermuda

1. The snapping mechanism of snapping shrimps of the genera Alpheus (Crangon) and Synalpheus has been studied and the "crackle" produced by populations of these shrimp surrounding the Bermuda Islands has been analyzed.

2. Differences in chela structure between the two genera are enumerated. Earlier beliefs that the sound is produced primarily by contact of the calcified tips upon closure of the dactylopodite on the propodite are corroborated. It is concluded that the "suckers" in the articulation of the joint in Alpheus species do not serve as a cocking mechanism, and is suggested that suction develops in the living animal by depression of the membrane between the segments as the dactylus is raised. Overlapping exoskeletal knobs in the joint probably serve to hold the dactylus in place.

3. The structure and physiology of the chela musculature are as in the Crustacea generally. Both fast and slow contractions and an inhibitory effect are demonstrated. The functional significance of a doubly excitable system in this animal is discussed.

4. Analysis of snapping shrimp noise recordings at various locations around Bermuda shows that populations principally occur where sheltering materials are present and at depths of less than 120 feet. Prevailing temperature is also a limiting factor, since snapping shrimps occur mainly in tropical and subtropical waters.

5. In contrast to water noise, which is limited to the frequency range 0-5 kc, shrimp noise extends to frequencies of over 15 kc under natural conditions. Shrimp spectra from different areas are variable, due to differences in the predominating species inhabiting each area and, more important, to habitat differences.

6. There is a slight increase in shrimp noise at night but probably no significant seasonal variation at Bermuda, because water temperature remains relatively constant there throughout the year.

7. Under laboratory conditions generic differences in the spectra occur. The frequency range and amplitude of peak intensity of an Alpheus single snap are greater than in Synalpheus, as a result of the more powerful chela of Alpheus. Variation in recording conditions or size of specimen does not alter the spectrum substantially. The components of single snaps of specimens in aquaria extend to higher frequencies and cover a greater time interval than individual snaps under natural conditions because of greater echoing under laboratory conditions.

8. Snapping shrimp noise is useful in determining benthic environments and fauna.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 ScienceHome page
R. Ritzmann
Snapping Behavior of the Shrimp Alpheus californiensis
Science, August 3, 1973; 181(4098): 459 - 460.
[Abstract] [PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1963 by the Marine Biological Laboratory.