Polyonyx gibbesi

Haig, 1956

eastern tube crab

Polyonyx gibbesi, commonly known as the eastern tube crab, is a porcelain crab in the Porcellanidae. It is an obligate commensal that inhabits the tubes of polychaete worms, particularly Chaetopterus species. The species has been studied for its physiological , showing lower thermal compared to some co-occurring commensal crabs. It occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico and Lesser Antilles.

Polyonyx gibbesi (1211) (29012112544) by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Polyonyx gibbesi: //pəˈlaɪəˌnɪks ˈɡɪbˌesi//

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Identification

As a member of Porcellanidae, Polyonyx gibbesi possesses the flattened body and reduced fifth legs typical of porcelain crabs. It can be distinguished from the facultatively commensal Pinnixa chaetopterana by its obligate association with Chaetopterus worm tubes and its more southerly distribution. Specific morphological distinguishing features from are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Marine benthic environment. Obligate commensal inhabitant of tubes constructed by polychaete worms of the Chaetopterus, including Chaetopterus variopedatus.

Distribution

Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Lesser Antilles. Distribution is more southerly than that of the related commensal crab Pinnixa chaetopterana.

Host Associations

Chaetopterus variopedatus - commensal Inhabits worm tube; obligate commensalism

Life Cycle

Includes zoeae larval stage. inhabit worm tubes.

Behavior

Obligate commensal lifestyle, permanently residing within polychaete worm tubes. This represents a tighter association than the facultative commensalism shown by some related .

Ecological Role

Participates in trace and major element transfer within benthic systems. As a commensal inhabitant of polychaete tubes, influences elemental distribution between , tube structure, and surrounding sediments.

Similar Taxa

Pinnixa chaetopteranaAlso commensal with Chaetopterus, but distinguished by facultative (vs. obligate) commensalism and more northerly distribution. Polyonyx gibbesi shows lower thermal limits in comparative studies.

More Details

Thermal Physiology

Comparative physiological studies from South Carolina indicate that both zoeae and have lower high and low lethal temperature limits than Pinnixa chaetopterana, consistent with its more southern distribution.