The association between the pagurid Dardanus arrosor and the actinian Calliactis parasitica. Recovery of activity in 'inactive' D. arrosor in the presence of cephalopods
Ross, DM. von Boletzky, S.
Marine Behaviour and Physiology 63: 175-184
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0091-181X DOI: 10.1080/10236247909378564
Accession: 021888664
The pagurid D. arrosor loses its activity towards its symbiotic actinian C. parasitica after long confinement in an aquarium not containing octopus. The revival of the activity of inactive Dardanus in the presence of octopus, reported by Balasch and Mengual (1974), was confirmed. Direct contact with the octopus is not necessary for the effect; activity returns when the pagurid receives only the effluent from a tank containing an octopus. The activity does not return when visual cues only are provided. The chemoreceptors involved are not located on the antennules. Effluents from 3 octopod species Eledone moschata, Octopus vulgaris and Scaeurgus unicirrhus and from a cuttlefish Sepia officinalis restored activity towards Calliactis in Dardanus which had become inactive. The results are discussed in relation to the triggering of the behavior pattern of Dardanus towards Calliactis.