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'''''Loxorhynchus grandis''''', commonly known as the '''sheep crab''' or '''spider crab''', is a [[species]] of [[crab]] in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Epialtidae]]<ref>{{cite WoRMS |author=Peter Davie |year=2010 |title=''Loxorhynchus grandis'' Stimpson, 1857 |id=441602 |accessdate=May 24, 2012}}</ref>. It is the largest crab found on the [[California]] coast<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Hobday|first=Alistair J.|last2=Rumsey|first2=Scott M.|date=1999-07-22|title=Population dynamics of the sheep crab Loxorhynchus grandis (Majidae) Stimpson 1857 at La Jolla California|url=https://escholarship.org/uc/item/35c9t718|language=en}}</ref>. The species was first described to science by [[William Stimpson]] in 1857<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=http://archive.org/details/crustaceaechinod00stim|title=Crustacea and Echinodermata of the Pacific shores of North America|last=Stimpson|first=William|date=1857|publisher=[Boston, Boston Society of Natural History]|others=Smithsonian Libraries|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=12-13}}</ref>. The [[Type (biology)|type specimen]] was collected on the coast of California, near [[San Francisco]]. Fossils from the [[Late Miocene|late Miocene epoch]] indicate that this species is at least 11.63 to 5.333 million years old<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rathbun|first=Mary J.|date=1908|title=Descriptions of Fossil Crabs From California|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4RLzAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA332&lpg=PA332&dq=Loxorhynchus+grandis&source=bl&ots=vBlPX0dSMH&sig=ACfU3U3DaBz6fSjMXpYdvWZibnmrhS5KMQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwikpsClydnmAhXJ6Z4KHSUBCKE4MhDoATACegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=Loxorhynchus%20grandis&f=false|journal=Proceedings of the United States National Museum|volume=35|pages=342|via=}}</ref>.
'''''Loxorhynchus grandis''''', commonly known as the '''sheep crab''' or '''spider crab''', is a [[species]] of [[crab]] in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Epialtidae]].<ref>{{cite WoRMS |author=Peter Davie |year=2010 |title=''Loxorhynchus grandis'' Stimpson, 1857 |id=441602 |accessdate=May 24, 2012}}</ref> It is the largest crab found on the [[California]] coast.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Hobday|first=Alistair J.|last2=Rumsey|first2=Scott M.|date=1999-07-22|title=Population dynamics of the sheep crab Loxorhynchus grandis (Majidae) Stimpson 1857 at La Jolla California|url=https://escholarship.org/uc/item/35c9t718|language=en}}</ref> The species was first described to science by [[William Stimpson]] in 1857.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=http://archive.org/details/crustaceaechinod00stim|title=Crustacea and Echinodermata of the Pacific shores of North America|last=Stimpson|first=William|date=1857|publisher=[Boston, Boston Society of Natural History]|others=Smithsonian Libraries|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=12-13}}</ref> The [[Type (biology)|type specimen]] was collected on the coast of California, near [[San Francisco]]. Fossils from the [[Late Miocene|late Miocene epoch]] indicate that this species is at least 11.63 to 5.333 million years old.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rathbun|first=Mary J.|date=1908|title=Descriptions of Fossil Crabs From California|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4RLzAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA332&lpg=PA332&dq=Loxorhynchus+grandis&source=bl&ots=vBlPX0dSMH&sig=ACfU3U3DaBz6fSjMXpYdvWZibnmrhS5KMQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwikpsClydnmAhXJ6Z4KHSUBCKE4MhDoATACegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=Loxorhynchus%20grandis&f=false|journal=Proceedings of the United States National Museum|volume=35|pages=342|via=}}</ref>


== Description ==
== Description ==
The sheep crab has a [[carapace]], four sets of walking legs, and a set of claws, or [[Chela (organ)|chelipeds]]. Males are larger than females. The carapace of a male can be up to {{Convert|17|cm|in|abbr=}} across, while females can grow to {{Convert|11|cm|in|abbr=}}<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://caseagrant.ucsd.edu/seafood-profiles/sheep-crab|title=Sheep Crab {{!}} California Sea Grant|website=caseagrant.ucsd.edu|access-date=2019-12-28}}</ref>. The carapace is tear-shaped with a wide, rounded posterior which tapers to a point at its snout, or [[Rostrum (anatomy)|rostrum]]. There is an obvious preorbital spine on the tip of the rostrum, which is sharply down-curved and deeply notched at its tip<ref name=":2" />. The carapace is covered in short spines, or [[Tubercle|tubercles]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seanet.stanford.edu/Crustacea#LoxorhynchusG|title=Subphylum Crustacea {{!}} SEANET|website=seanet.stanford.edu|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref>.
The sheep crab has a [[carapace]], four sets of walking legs, and a set of claws, or [[Chela (organ)|chelipeds]]. Males are larger than females. The carapace of a male can be up to {{Convert|17|cm|in|abbr=}} across, while females can grow to {{Convert|11|cm|in|abbr=}}.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://caseagrant.ucsd.edu/seafood-profiles/sheep-crab|title=Sheep Crab {{!}} California Sea Grant|website=caseagrant.ucsd.edu|access-date=2019-12-28}}</ref> The carapace is tear-shaped with a wide, rounded posterior which tapers to a point at its snout, or [[Rostrum (anatomy)|rostrum]]. There is an obvious preorbital spine on the tip of the rostrum, which is sharply down-curved and deeply notched at its tip.<ref name=":2" /> The carapace is covered in short spines, or [[Tubercle|tubercles]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seanet.stanford.edu/Crustacea#LoxorhynchusG|title=Subphylum Crustacea {{!}} SEANET|website=seanet.stanford.edu|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref>


The longest legs, the second pair of walking legs, is longer than the carapace is wide, so sheep crabs can reach an overall width of {{Convert|57|cm|in|abbr=}}<ref name=":4" />.
The longest legs, the second pair of walking legs, is longer than the carapace is wide, so sheep crabs can reach an overall width of {{Convert|57|cm|in|abbr=}}.<ref name=":4" />


While the [[exoskeleton]], or shell, is reddish, brown, or blue-green<ref name=":0" />, this is often masked. Young crabs deliberately attach algae, [[Bryozoa|bryozoans]], [[Hydrozoa|hydroids]], [[Sponge|sponges]], and other creatures to their exoskeletons as a form of camouflage to hide from predators<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Wicksten|first=Mary K.|date=1979|title=Decorating Behavior in ''Loxorhyncus crispatus'' Stimpson and ''Loxorhychus grandis'' Stimpson|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pbOhjfMzN2MC&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=Loxorhynchus+grandis&source=bl&ots=ajY1SMyPzg&sig=ACfU3U1c-csVz-3rO5Polm1B0-kFSxRrXA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj7wujZwtnmAhU3HTQIHSF1DpQ4KBDoATAIegQIChAB#v=onepage&q=Loxorhynchus%20grandis&f=false|journal=Crustaceana|publisher=E.J. Brill|volume=Suplement 5|pages=37 - 46|via=}}</ref>. Animals larger than {{Convert|8|cm|in|abbr=}} cease to decorate themselves. This species stops molting when it reaches sexual maturity, however, and a layer of algae often develops on the long-lived adult exoskeleton, giving these crabs a green appearance.
While the [[exoskeleton]], or shell, is reddish, brown, or blue-green,<ref name=":0" /> this is often masked. Young crabs deliberately attach algae, [[Bryozoa|bryozoans]], [[Hydrozoa|hydroids]], [[Sponge|sponges]], and other creatures to their exoskeletons as a form of camouflage to hide from predators.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Wicksten|first=Mary K.|date=1979|title=Decorating Behavior in ''Loxorhyncus crispatus'' Stimpson and ''Loxorhychus grandis'' Stimpson|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pbOhjfMzN2MC&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=Loxorhynchus+grandis&source=bl&ots=ajY1SMyPzg&sig=ACfU3U1c-csVz-3rO5Polm1B0-kFSxRrXA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj7wujZwtnmAhU3HTQIHSF1DpQ4KBDoATAIegQIChAB#v=onepage&q=Loxorhynchus%20grandis&f=false|journal=Crustaceana|publisher=E.J. Brill|volume=Suplement 5|pages=37 - 46|via=}}</ref> Animals larger than {{Convert|8|cm|in|abbr=}} cease to decorate themselves. This species stops molting when it reaches sexual maturity, however, and a layer of algae often develops on the long-lived adult exoskeleton, giving these crabs a green appearance.


== Distribution and habitat ==
== Distribution and habitat ==
This crab lives in coastal waters from [[Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary|Cordell Bank]], [[California]] to Punta San Bartolome, [[Baja California Peninsula|Baja California]]<ref name=":0" />. It is found in waters between {{Convert|6|m|ft|abbr=}} and {{Convert|152|m|ft|abbr=}}<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-and-exhibits/animal-guide/invertebrates/sheep-crab|title=Sheep crab, Reefs & Pilings, Invertebrates, Loxorhynchus grandis at the Monterey Bay Aquarium|website=www.montereybayaquarium.org|access-date=2019-12-26}}</ref> deep. Sheep crabs are quite mobile, achieving speeds of {{Convert|.4|kph|mph|abbr=}}<ref name=":0" />, foraging on soft and rocky bottoms, as well as pilings<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sealifebase.org/summary/Loxorhynchus-grandis.html|title=Loxorhynchus grandis, sheep crab|website=sealifebase.org|access-date=2019-12-26}}</ref>. This species is migratory, spending the warm months of the year in shallow waters and the cooler months in deeper waters.
This crab lives in coastal waters from [[Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary|Cordell Bank]], [[California]] to Punta San Bartolome, [[Baja California Peninsula|Baja California]].<ref name=":0" /> It is found in waters between {{Convert|6|m|ft|abbr=}} and {{Convert|152|m|ft|abbr=}}<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-and-exhibits/animal-guide/invertebrates/sheep-crab|title=Sheep crab, Reefs & Pilings, Invertebrates, Loxorhynchus grandis at the Monterey Bay Aquarium|website=www.montereybayaquarium.org|access-date=2019-12-26}}</ref> deep. Sheep crabs are quite mobile, achieving speeds of {{Convert|.4|kph|mph|abbr=}},<ref name=":0" /> foraging on soft and rocky bottoms, as well as pilings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sealifebase.org/summary/Loxorhynchus-grandis.html|title=Loxorhynchus grandis, sheep crab|website=sealifebase.org|access-date=2019-12-26}}</ref> This species is migratory, spending the warm months of the year in shallow waters and the cooler months in deeper waters.


== Reproduction and life history ==
== Reproduction and life history ==
Sheep crabs are [[Gonochorism|gonchoric]], which is to say that individuals are either male or female. They form aggregations, piles of dozens or hundreds of crabs. The aggregations which have been studied in detail are composed only of adults and included females and at least one male. Sheep crabs are typically solitary, and it has been hypothesized that the purpose of the aggregations is to increase the concentration of a chemical signal, a [[pheromone]], from the females to attract males for mating<ref name=":0" />.
Sheep crabs are [[Gonochorism|gonchoric]], which is to say that individuals are either male or female. They form aggregations, piles of dozens or hundreds of crabs. The aggregations which have been studied in detail are composed only of adults and included females and at least one male. Sheep crabs are typically solitary, and it has been hypothesized that the purpose of the aggregations is to increase the concentration of a chemical signal, a [[pheromone]], from the females to attract males for mating.<ref name=":0" />


A male crab grasps a female for mating and delivers a sperm packet. A female can store sperm for later use, if no males are available. Fertilization takes place internally, and the fertilized eggs are then glued to the exterior of the female's abdomen. Females brood their eggs to protect them from predation. Broods may contain 125,000 to 500,000 eggs<ref name=":2" />. The development of the eggs can be discerned by their color. Orange eggs are the freshest, red are of intermediate development, and brown can be seen to have eyes and are ready to be released. Brooding females have been found year-round suggesting that there is no strong seasonal peak in reproduction. The length of the brooding period is unknown<ref name=":0" />.
A male crab grasps a female for mating and delivers a sperm packet. A female can store sperm for later use, if no males are available. Fertilization takes place internally, and the fertilized eggs are then glued to the exterior of the female's abdomen. Females brood their eggs to protect them from predation. Broods may contain 125,000 to 500,000 eggs.<ref name=":2" /> The development of the eggs can be discerned by their color. Orange eggs are the freshest, red are of intermediate development, and brown can be seen to have eyes and are ready to be released. Brooding females have been found year-round suggesting that there is no strong seasonal peak in reproduction. The length of the brooding period is unknown.<ref name=":0" />


After release from the female, larval crabs are free swimming plankton. They settle to the bottom and become recognizable sheep crabs when they reach about {{Convert|1|cm|in|abbr=}} across<ref name=":0" />.
After release from the female, larval crabs are free swimming plankton. They settle to the bottom and become recognizable sheep crabs when they reach about {{Convert|1|cm|in|abbr=}} across.<ref name=":0" />


The sheep crab has a rigid and thick exoskeleton which presents an obstacle to growth. The shell cannot grow even if the animal inside it does. Like most other crabs, this species solves this issue by periodically molting its shell. It first forms a soft shell inside the existing exoskeleton. It then opens a slit at the rear of the carapace and backs out of the old shell. The new, soft shell is then vigorously inflated with water and it hardens at this inflated size. The animal then has plenty of room to grow inside the new shell simply by displacing the water. This strategy also has the benefit of allowing the animal to regenerate limbs that have been lost since its last molt. Unlike many crabs, the sheep crab ceases to molt when it attains sexual maturity<ref name=":0" />. This terminal molt ends its ability to grow and regenerate limbs<ref name=":2" />.
The sheep crab has a rigid and thick exoskeleton which presents an obstacle to growth. The shell cannot grow even if the animal inside it does. Like most other crabs, this species solves this issue by periodically molting its shell. It first forms a soft shell inside the existing exoskeleton. It then opens a slit at the rear of the carapace and backs out of the old shell. The new, soft shell is then vigorously inflated with water and it hardens at this inflated size. The animal then has plenty of room to grow inside the new shell simply by displacing the water. This strategy also has the benefit of allowing the animal to regenerate limbs that have been lost since its last molt. Unlike many crabs, the sheep crab ceases to molt when it attains sexual maturity.<ref name=":0" /> This terminal molt ends its ability to grow and regenerate limbs.<ref name=":2" />


The maximum life of this crab is unknown, but is at least three years<ref name=":0" />.
The maximum life of this crab is unknown, but is at least three years.<ref name=":0" />


== Diet ==
== Diet ==
The sheep crab is a scavenger-generalist in diet, eating algae, mussels, [[Pisaster ochraceus|sea stars]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://eol.org/pages/46507685|title=Sheep crab - Encyclopedia of Life|website=eol.org|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref>, small crabs, including juvenile sheep crabs and [[Pugettia producta|northern kelp crabs]]<ref name=":3" />, and dead fish<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" />.
The sheep crab is a scavenger-generalist in diet, eating algae, mussels, [[Pisaster ochraceus|sea stars]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://eol.org/pages/46507685|title=Sheep crab - Encyclopedia of Life|website=eol.org|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref> small crabs, including juvenile sheep crabs and [[Pugettia producta|northern kelp crabs]],<ref name=":3" /> and dead fish.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" />


== Predators ==
== Predators ==
Sheep crabs are preyed upon by [[Sea otter|sea otters]]<ref name=":3" />, [[Cabezon (fish)|cabezon]], [[California sheephead]], octopus, sharks, [[Bat ray|bay rays]], [[California sea lion|California sea lions]]<ref name=":0" />, and larger sheep crabs<ref name=":1" />.
Sheep crabs are preyed upon by [[Sea otter|sea otters]],<ref name=":3" /> [[Cabezon (fish)|cabezon]], [[California sheephead]], octopus, sharks, [[Bat ray|bay rays]], [[California sea lion|California sea lions]],<ref name=":0" /> and larger sheep crabs.<ref name=":1" />


== Fishery ==
== Fishery ==
In the late 1970s a commercial fishery for sheep crabs developed in California. Two markets emerged, one for the large claws of the male crabs, and another for whole crabs. The fishery peaked in 1988 when 96,000 pounds of claws and 108,000 pounds of whole crabs were landed. In 1990, a California ballot initiative<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CONS&division=&title=&part=&chapter=&article=X%20B|title=California State Constitution: Article X B Marine Resources Protection Act of 1990|last=|first=|date=|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> banned the use of [[Gillnetting|gill nets]] and [[Fishing net|trammel nets]] that were used to catch sheep crabs, and the fishery shrank significantly<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=34398&inline|title=Annual Status of the Fisheries Report|last=Culver|first=Carolynn S.|last2=Kuris|first2=Amanda M.|date=May 2002|website=|publisher=California Department of Fish and Game|page=7-1 to 7-5|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>. In 2018, California reported commercial landings of 503 pounds of claws and 74,863 pounds of whole crabs<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=171059&inline|title=Origin and Poundage of Commercial Fish Landings into California 2018|last=|first=|date=July 19, 2019|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>.
In the late 1970s a commercial fishery for sheep crabs developed in California. Two markets emerged, one for the large claws of the male crabs, and another for whole crabs. The fishery peaked in 1988 when 96,000 pounds of claws and 108,000 pounds of whole crabs were landed. In 1990, a California ballot initiative<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CONS&division=&title=&part=&chapter=&article=X%20B|title=California State Constitution: Article X B Marine Resources Protection Act of 1990|last=|first=|date=|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> banned the use of [[Gillnetting|gill nets]] and [[Fishing net|trammel nets]] that were used to catch sheep crabs, and the fishery shrank significantly.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=34398&inline|title=Annual Status of the Fisheries Report|last=Culver|first=Carolynn S.|last2=Kuris|first2=Amanda M.|date=May 2002|website=|publisher=California Department of Fish and Game|page=7-1 to 7-5|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> In 2018, California reported commercial landings of 503 pounds of claws and 74,863 pounds of whole crabs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=171059&inline|title=Origin and Poundage of Commercial Fish Landings into California 2018|last=|first=|date=July 19, 2019|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>


Sheep crab are taken as bycatch in the [[California spiny lobster]] fishery. One study found 1.29% of the animals caught in lobster traps were sheep crabs<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=121938&inline|title=California Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan|last=|first=|date=April 2016|website=California Department of Fish and Wildlife|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>.<br />
Sheep crab are taken as bycatch in the [[California spiny lobster]] fishery. One study found 1.29% of the animals caught in lobster traps were sheep crabs<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=121938&inline|title=California Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan|last=|first=|date=April 2016|website=California Department of Fish and Wildlife|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>.<br />

Revision as of 09:42, 9 December 2020

Loxorhynchus grandis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Epialtidae
Genus: Loxorhynchus
Species:
L. grandis
Binomial name
Loxorhynchus grandis
Stimpson, 1857

Loxorhynchus grandis, commonly known as the sheep crab or spider crab, is a species of crab in the family Epialtidae.[1] It is the largest crab found on the California coast.[2] The species was first described to science by William Stimpson in 1857.[3] The type specimen was collected on the coast of California, near San Francisco. Fossils from the late Miocene epoch indicate that this species is at least 11.63 to 5.333 million years old.[4]

Description

The sheep crab has a carapace, four sets of walking legs, and a set of claws, or chelipeds. Males are larger than females. The carapace of a male can be up to 17 centimetres (6.7 in) across, while females can grow to 11 centimetres (4.3 in).[5] The carapace is tear-shaped with a wide, rounded posterior which tapers to a point at its snout, or rostrum. There is an obvious preorbital spine on the tip of the rostrum, which is sharply down-curved and deeply notched at its tip.[6] The carapace is covered in short spines, or tubercles.[7]

The longest legs, the second pair of walking legs, is longer than the carapace is wide, so sheep crabs can reach an overall width of 57 centimetres (22 in).[3]

While the exoskeleton, or shell, is reddish, brown, or blue-green,[2] this is often masked. Young crabs deliberately attach algae, bryozoans, hydroids, sponges, and other creatures to their exoskeletons as a form of camouflage to hide from predators.[8] Animals larger than 8 centimetres (3.1 in) cease to decorate themselves. This species stops molting when it reaches sexual maturity, however, and a layer of algae often develops on the long-lived adult exoskeleton, giving these crabs a green appearance.

Distribution and habitat

This crab lives in coastal waters from Cordell Bank, California to Punta San Bartolome, Baja California.[2] It is found in waters between 6 metres (20 ft) and 152 metres (499 ft)[6] deep. Sheep crabs are quite mobile, achieving speeds of .4 kilometres per hour (0.25 mph),[2] foraging on soft and rocky bottoms, as well as pilings.[9] This species is migratory, spending the warm months of the year in shallow waters and the cooler months in deeper waters.

Reproduction and life history

Sheep crabs are gonchoric, which is to say that individuals are either male or female. They form aggregations, piles of dozens or hundreds of crabs. The aggregations which have been studied in detail are composed only of adults and included females and at least one male. Sheep crabs are typically solitary, and it has been hypothesized that the purpose of the aggregations is to increase the concentration of a chemical signal, a pheromone, from the females to attract males for mating.[2]

A male crab grasps a female for mating and delivers a sperm packet. A female can store sperm for later use, if no males are available. Fertilization takes place internally, and the fertilized eggs are then glued to the exterior of the female's abdomen. Females brood their eggs to protect them from predation. Broods may contain 125,000 to 500,000 eggs.[6] The development of the eggs can be discerned by their color. Orange eggs are the freshest, red are of intermediate development, and brown can be seen to have eyes and are ready to be released. Brooding females have been found year-round suggesting that there is no strong seasonal peak in reproduction. The length of the brooding period is unknown.[2]

After release from the female, larval crabs are free swimming plankton. They settle to the bottom and become recognizable sheep crabs when they reach about 1 centimetre (0.39 in) across.[2]

The sheep crab has a rigid and thick exoskeleton which presents an obstacle to growth. The shell cannot grow even if the animal inside it does. Like most other crabs, this species solves this issue by periodically molting its shell. It first forms a soft shell inside the existing exoskeleton. It then opens a slit at the rear of the carapace and backs out of the old shell. The new, soft shell is then vigorously inflated with water and it hardens at this inflated size. The animal then has plenty of room to grow inside the new shell simply by displacing the water. This strategy also has the benefit of allowing the animal to regenerate limbs that have been lost since its last molt. Unlike many crabs, the sheep crab ceases to molt when it attains sexual maturity.[2] This terminal molt ends its ability to grow and regenerate limbs.[6]

The maximum life of this crab is unknown, but is at least three years.[2]

Diet

The sheep crab is a scavenger-generalist in diet, eating algae, mussels, sea stars,[10] small crabs, including juvenile sheep crabs and northern kelp crabs,[10] and dead fish.[11][2]

Predators

Sheep crabs are preyed upon by sea otters,[10] cabezon, California sheephead, octopus, sharks, bay rays, California sea lions,[2] and larger sheep crabs.[5]

Fishery

In the late 1970s a commercial fishery for sheep crabs developed in California. Two markets emerged, one for the large claws of the male crabs, and another for whole crabs. The fishery peaked in 1988 when 96,000 pounds of claws and 108,000 pounds of whole crabs were landed. In 1990, a California ballot initiative[12] banned the use of gill nets and trammel nets that were used to catch sheep crabs, and the fishery shrank significantly.[11] In 2018, California reported commercial landings of 503 pounds of claws and 74,863 pounds of whole crabs.[13]

Sheep crab are taken as bycatch in the California spiny lobster fishery. One study found 1.29% of the animals caught in lobster traps were sheep crabs[14].

References

  1. ^ Peter Davie (2010). "Loxorhynchus grandis Stimpson, 1857". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Hobday, Alistair J.; Rumsey, Scott M. (1999-07-22). "Population dynamics of the sheep crab Loxorhynchus grandis (Majidae) Stimpson 1857 at La Jolla California". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ^ a b Stimpson, William (1857). Crustacea and Echinodermata of the Pacific shores of North America. Smithsonian Libraries. [Boston, Boston Society of Natural History]. pp. 12–13.
  4. ^ Rathbun, Mary J. (1908). "Descriptions of Fossil Crabs From California". Proceedings of the United States National Museum. 35: 342.
  5. ^ a b "Sheep Crab | California Sea Grant". caseagrant.ucsd.edu. Retrieved 2019-12-28.
  6. ^ a b c d "Sheep crab, Reefs & Pilings, Invertebrates, Loxorhynchus grandis at the Monterey Bay Aquarium". www.montereybayaquarium.org. Retrieved 2019-12-26.
  7. ^ "Subphylum Crustacea | SEANET". seanet.stanford.edu. Retrieved 2019-12-29.
  8. ^ Wicksten, Mary K. (1979). "Decorating Behavior in Loxorhyncus crispatus Stimpson and Loxorhychus grandis Stimpson". Crustaceana. Suplement 5. E.J. Brill: 37–46.
  9. ^ "Loxorhynchus grandis, sheep crab". sealifebase.org. Retrieved 2019-12-26.
  10. ^ a b c "Sheep crab - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2019-12-29.
  11. ^ a b Culver, Carolynn S.; Kuris, Amanda M. (May 2002). "Annual Status of the Fisheries Report". California Department of Fish and Game. p. 7-1 to 7-5.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ "California State Constitution: Article X B Marine Resources Protection Act of 1990".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ "Origin and Poundage of Commercial Fish Landings into California 2018". July 19, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ^ "California Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan". California Department of Fish and Wildlife. April 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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