Some Estimates of Population Density and Feeding Habits of the Rock Crab, <i>Cancer irroratus</i>, in a Kelp Bed in Nova Scotia

Abstract

The population density of rock crabs (Cancer irroratus) in a kelp bed on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia was examined by mark–recapture techniques and found to be about one crab (&gt; 45-mm carapace width) per 2 square metres. Prey taken by the crabs included hermit crabs (Pagurus), mussels (Mytilus), sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus), and various small crustaceans and polychaetes. It was concluded that the crab population would exert a strong predation pressure on these invertebrates.Key words: Cancer irroratus, rock crabs, predation, population density, kelp