REPERTÓRIO COMPORTAMENTAL DO CARANGUEJO ORNAMENTAL MARINHO Stenorhynchus seticornis (HERBST, 1788) (CRUSTACEA, DECAPODA, INACHOIDIDAE) EM CONDIÇÕES LABORATORIAIS

Abstract

Information on animal behavior can contribute to understand the ecological interactions in the environments, and improve how to maintain commercially or endangered species in captivity. Stenorhynchus seticornis (Superfamily Majoidea) is a marine crab with ornamental importance, collected around the world that is poorly studied. The present study aimed to describe the behavioral repertory displayed by adults of S. seticornis under laboratory conditions. The descriptions were carried out by focal animal method (n=18), and the frequency of each act was compared between males, females and ovigerous females; and between light and dark phases of the photoperiod. Fifteen behavioral acts were recorded, separated into four categories: auto-grooming, immobility, feeding and walking. The auto-grooming is not common in the Superfamily Majoidea, which S. seticornis belong. The “walking” and “feeding” were more frequent in the dark phase, whereas “auto-gooming” and “immobility” were more common during the light phase, indicating that the species has nocturnal habits. This behavior is common in Crustacea and can be adaptation to avoid encounters with visually oriented predators.