Gnasher Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 I just thought id mention that apparently some of the crabs are starting to peel anytime (i thought it was far to early yet). Some lads (Nick, who supplies Lonis with bait)were laying their traps in muddiford harbour yesterday as they think the first of the moult is imminent. (the traps are as always, small 12 inch lengths of gutter pushed in the mud) Just thought id mention it as the smoothys will start showing soon. Thanks for the info Dom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swainiac Posted April 19, 2006 Report Share Posted April 19, 2006 Is it just water temp that induces the moult, or is it phototropic as well?? I know that most species of bird are triggerred into moult by day length AND a critical weight being attained, which also induces egg laying, especially in all of our resident Mustilidae which are all induced ovulators, more daylight hours meaning more time hunting and foraging to feed the impending multiple births of these mammals. Also, I appreciate that we gather shore crabs, so they are not residing in deep water, so may benefit from daylight, but do deep water variants wander into shallower water to moult, as I know that crustaceans like lobster and crab do migrate to different grounds. (I need to get out more!). Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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