The behavioral characteristics of adult Tachypleus tridentatus during reproductive period
摘要
Tachypleus tridentatus, a critical biological resource used in Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), has experienced a sharp decline that is attracting global attention. Although artificial husbandry and breeding are promising strategies for promoting the proliferation of T. tridentatus, technological research is still in its infancy. Studying the behavioral characteristics during the reproductive period is crucial for identifying the environmental requirements of T. tridentatus. In this study, the behaviors of adult T. tridentatus were recorded continuously in an artificial aquaculture environment using underwater cameras. The behavior of adult T. tridentatus is mainly characterized by locomotion, feeding, and reproduction, which encompass a total of 11 types of behavior. The types of locomotion, including respiratory, swimming, climbing, and turning over, were coordinated with each other. Particularly, specific swimming patterns were utilized to efficiently conserve energy. Tachypleus tridentatus effectively utilized coordinated movements of its appendages to assist in feeding. This multi-organ coordinated feeding strategy allowed them to move quickly or avoid threats, thereby preventing food from being taken by others. The coordinated feeding pattern involving multiple organs enhances efficiency during rapid movement or evasion, protecting the food from being contested by other organisms. Competitive courtship and a monogamous mating strategy allowed T. tridentatus to efficiently find mates and lay eggs in suitable environments. Repeated spawning behaviors contributed to the high reproductive success rate. This study elucidated the ecological requirements of T. tridentatus from a behavioral perspective, thereby providing valuable references for implementing and optimizing its rearing environment.