THE INTERRELATIONS AMONG THREE HORMONAL-CONTROLLED CHARACTERS IN THE ADULT FEMALE SHORE CRAB, CARCINUS MAENAS (L.)

Abstract

The three decapod characters, molting, ovarian developing and shell color changing, known to be under hormonal control were studied in the female shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L), by the sampling method. Results indicate that (a) the above 3 cycles do not appear to be under the same hormonal control; (b) a negative correlation exists between molting and ovarian maturation. This confirms, in general, experimental results of previous authors that there is an antagonism between molting and ovarian maturation. On the other hand, this antagonism does not seem to be always effective in nature, (c) A contrasting occurrence of green and orange-red shell color is established in the molting as well as ovarian maturation cycles, (d) The significance of the shell color changes is discussed.