Limb autotomy patterns in the juvenile swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) in earth ponds

Abstract The patterns of limb autotomy in the juvenile swimming crab ( Portunus trituberculatus ) were investigated in earth ponds. High incidence of limb autotomy was found in these juvenile crabs accounting for about 28%, and no significant differences were observed between the males and females ( P  > 0.05). Both the males and females with different body sizes performed the autotomy behavior, and the frequency of autotomy remained almost at the same level. Forelimbs (especially, chelipeds) were lost more often than posterior limbs ( P P Statement of relevance Swimming crab aquaculture is one of the most significant aquacultural industries in China. Although there are many reports on limb autotomy patterns of crabs, little is known about the autotomy levels in swimming crab when reared in earth ponds. To determine factors affecting injury levels in swimming crab, we address this issue for the first time in earth ponds by quantifying patterns of limb loss, such as frequency of injured individuals and frequency of injured limbs, and by evaluating sex, size and monthly differences in autotomy levels. Based on this study, we expect to provide some references about limb autotomy patterns in swimming crab, which will pave the way to further studies on the biology and group ecology of swimming crab. Next, we also expect to give some guidance about how to lower the incidence of autotomy and even how to optimize the aquaculture process in earth ponds.