Predatory behavior of the paguroid Dardanus venosus (H. Milne-Edwards, 1848) (Anomura: Diogenidae) on the snail Aurantilaria aurantiaca (Lamarck, 1816) (Gastropoda: Fasciolariidae)

Abstract

Paguroids are usually detritivorous organisms and the occurrence of predation on mollusks is very unusual. This contribution reports the occurrence of a predatory behavior of the paguroid Dardanus venosus (H. Milne Edwards, 1848) on the snail Aurantilaria aurantiaca (Lamarck, 1816). Single specimen of paguroid was found attacking the snail in a sea grass meadow dominated by Halodule wrightii Ascherson on the coast of Ceara, northeastern Brazil. The paguroid and gastropod specimens were brought to the laboratory and placed in an aquarium and the behavior was recorded by photos. Paguroid behavior was characterized by sequencial movements of chelipeds in the attack to the snail when the snail was hold by paguroid ambulatory legs. External lip of shell aperture, operculum and foot of the gastropod were severely damaged.