Impact of Thalamita crenata (Decapoda; Portunidae) predation on Holothuria scabra juvenile survival in sea farming pens
Eeckhaut, I.; Février, J.; Todinanahary, G.; Delroisse, J. (2020). Impact of Thalamita crenata (Decapoda; Portunidae) predation on Holothuria scabra juvenile survival in sea farming pens. SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin 40: 11-16
In: SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin. Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Noumea. ISSN 1095-4943, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Eeckhaut, I., more
- Février, J.
- Todinanahary, G., more
- Delroisse, J., more
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| Abstract |
We evaluate the impact of predation by the crab Thalamita crenata on Holothuria scabra juvenile survival in a sea farming site in Madagascar where crab predation pressure is high. Three experiments were carried out: the first was conducted to estimate the survival of sea cucumber juveniles of different body masses when placed in open enclosures; the second compared the survival of juveniles placed in opened and closed enclosures; and the third evaluated the survival of juveniles when placed in the pres¬ence of crabs in closed enclosures. Holothuria scabra juveniles were of a body mass between 1 and 80 g. The results showed that predation by T. crenata is a key parameter to take into account when farming H. scabra. The seeding of juveniles at sea should be performed with large individuals weighing at least 30 g to avoid predation. |
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