Inferences on the Biology of Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) from Exuviae in a Hudson River Tributary, New York, USA

TitleInferences on the Biology of Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) from Exuviae in a Hudson River Tributary, New York, USA
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsSchmidt, RE, Daniels, RA, Swift, EL, Shadis, IB
JournalAquatic Invasions
Volume4
Pagination613-617
KeywordsChinese mitten crab, Hudson River, Invasive species, New York
Abstract

Exuviae of Chinese mitten crab were collected in the Saw Kill, a small tributary to the fresh-tidal Hudson River, in summer and early fall 2008. Most exuviae were found in July when water temperatures exceeded 21ºC and numbers declined with subsequent decreasing water temperatures. Sizes ranged from 12 to 45 mm CW and all were considered to be in their second summer (1+). Very small exuviae (≤ 15 mm CW) were present from early June through mid-August indicating recruitment to the Saw Kill all summer. Live mitten crabs were difficult to collect and therefore data from exuviae were useful in observing the early stage of this invasion.

URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3391/ai.2009.4.4.7
DOI10.3391/ai.2009.4.4.7