Distance Chemoreception and Vision in the Selection of Prey by American Lobster (Homarus americanus)

Abstract

Lobsters responded positively to the waterborne odor of intact living crabs (Carcinus maenas), sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis), and mussels (Mytilus edulis). The frequency of response was higher and the response time shorter to crabs than to sea urchins or mussels. Lobsters also responded to the sight of moving crabs or moving sea urchins, but not to the sight of stationary specimens. Crabs are probably more attractive to lobsters because of their odor and their greater activity, compared with sea urchins or mussels. Key words: lobsters, prey, chemoreception, vision, crabs, sea urchins, movement, odor