Preface: The History of Giant Crab Exploitation and Research

by Gloria Gonzalez

In temperate regions of the world, the coastal waters of the continental shelf tend to be inhabited by at least one very large species of crab with large crab species seldom found in tropical waters. This trend may be due to a female defence polygynous mating system in open habitat, which favours larger, stronger males (Christy, 1987; Orensanz et al., 1995). The trend is worth noting as it may be of value in understanding the origins and niche of P. gigas. This position of large crab is filled by different taxa in various temperate regions and examples of genera Macrocheira, Chionoecetes (Majidae) and Erimacrus (Atecyclidae ) in the north-west Pacific; Chionoecetes (Majidae) and Paralithodes (Lithodidae; Anomura) in the north-eastern Pacific; Chionoecetes (Majidae) in the north-west Atlantic; Cancer (Cancridae) and Maja (Majidae) in the north-east Atlantic; Geryon (Geryonidae) around southern Africa; and Lithodes, Paralomis (Lithodidae, Anomura), and Geryon (Geryonidae) around southern America.

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2024