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Ventilation of the branchial chambers in the amphibious West African freshwater crab, Sudanonautes (Convexonautes) aubryi monodi (Balss, 1929) (Brachyura, Potamonautidae)

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Abstract

The anatomy of the respiratory system of the savanna-zone African freshwater crab, Sudanonautes (Convexonautes) aubryi monodi [Balss, 1929], has been examined and has been found to be adapted for both aerial and aquatic gas exchange. The activities of the scaphognathites and the directions of flow of the ventilatory stream have been recorded in stressed, active and resting specimens during their exposure to a wide range of conditions from deep water to dry land.

Ventilation of the branchial chambers during aquatic gas exchange in Sudanonautes kept in deep water is shown to consist of a rapid, predominantly forward water flow similar to that of fully-aquatic species. Ventilation of the branchial chambers during aerial gas exchange in Sudanonautes on land is shown to consist of a relatively slow forward air flow. This flow is continuous in post-operative crabs, pulsatile in active crabs and completely immobile in resting crabs.

A second method of ventilation of the branchial chambers during aerial gas exchange is shown to consist of a pulsatile reversed air flow. This occurs (1) when Sudanonautes is kept in very shallow water and active or stressed; (2) when it has recently moved on to land; and (3) when it is completely immersed and exhibiting aerial gas exchange under water. The unusual phenomenon of aerial gas exchange under water is reported here for the first time in any species of crab.

Bimodal ventilation of the branchial chambers occurs in stressed or active crabs partly immersed in shallow water. This consists of an alternation between forward water flow and reversed air flow.

The morphology of the branchial chambers in Sudanonautes, and observational data on the patterns of ventilation of the branchial chambers, are discussed in relation to those described for other air-breathing decapod crustaceans.

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  1. Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, 49855, Marquette, Michigan, USA

    Neil Cumberlidge

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Cumberlidge, N. Ventilation of the branchial chambers in the amphibious West African freshwater crab, Sudanonautes (Convexonautes) aubryi monodi (Balss, 1929) (Brachyura, Potamonautidae). Hydrobiologia 134, 53–65 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00008699

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