Examining the relationship between Olfaction and Prey Preference in Cancer productus

Abstract

Olfaction plays an important role in crustacean foraging behavior, but its influence on prey selection in Cancer productus remains poorly understood. We tested whether red rock crabs exhibit olfactory preferences between two Nucella species and found no significant overall preference, although crab size was associated with differences in prey choice, suggesting that individual traits may influence olfactory-mediated foraging behavior.