From Australian Oceans Data Network
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Visually mediated species recognition in the fiddler crab Uca mjoebergi

Created 23/06/2025

Updated 23/06/2025

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Mating signals are often directed at numerous senses, and provide information about species identity, gender, receptiveness, individual identity and mate quality. Male fiddler crabs of the species Uca mjoebergi typically have an enlarged yellow claw which they use for fighting and attracting a mate using a waving action. Experiments were conducted between Sept 03' to Jan '04 in the vicinity of the mangrove boardwalk in the East Point Reserve, Darwin, NT. The experiment was designed to demonstrate the use of claw colouration as a species recognition signal in the fiddler crab Uca mjoebergi. To test this, females were given a choice between size-matched, and handed matched U.signata and U.mjoebergi males. The colour of the males claw was manipulated using Dulux Tinytin gloss enamel paint. Claw colour was found to be the dominant morphological feature in identifying conspecific males in U.mjoebergi. Measurements taken during every trial included: carapace size (males and females), treatment (males), claw size (males), claw side (males), number of trials, trial arrangement, and female choice.

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Additional Info

Field Value
Title Visually mediated species recognition in the fiddler crab Uca mjoebergi
Language eng
Licence Not Specified
Landing Page https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/405ff620-c03c-44dc-b38a-50b44807368d
Contact Point
Australian Ocean Data Network
Tanya.Detto@hotmail.com
Reference Period 01/09/2003 - 01/01/2004
Geospatial Coverage
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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  "type": "Polygon"
}
Data Portal Australian Oceans Data Network

Data Source

This dataset was originally found on Australian Oceans Data Network "Visually mediated species recognition in the fiddler crab Uca mjoebergi". Please visit the source to access the original metadata of the dataset:
https://catalogue.aodn.org.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/csw/dataset/visually-mediated-species-recognition-in-the-fiddler-crab-uca-mjoebergi1