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. Th is 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 att acking the snail in a sea grass meadow dominated by Halodule wrightii Ascherson on the coast of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. Th e 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 att ack 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.