Predator Exclusion Study Daily Rhythm Patterns Study Behavioral Study Study Site
Introduction Methods Results Discussion  

Daily Rhythm Patterns Study:

The purpose of this study is to understand the symbiotic relationship of Psilogobius mainlandi and its symbiotic snapping shrimp (Alpehus rapax and A. rapicida) better. To date P. mainlandi is not been found outside the Hawaiian Islands and is considered an endemic species (Randal .... ). It is also one of only two species in its entire genus (Baldwin ... ). Most shrimp gobies lie in one of 5 main genera: Amblyeleotris, Cryptocentrus, Ctenogobiops, Stonogobiops, and Vanderhorstia. In addition to the taxonomic isolation of P. mainlandi, the isolation of the Hawaiian Islands has had a tremendous effect on the evolution of several groups of terrestrial as well as aquatic species (Kay ...). While much work has been done on other shrimp goby associations, little has been done on the Hawaiian Shrimp Goby pair (review by Karplus 1987). The most logical question that should be raised is, "can results from the study of P. mainlandi be used when generalizing about all Shrimp-Goby Associations?"

Thus, part of this study must asses the relative comparability of this species to other, more well-known species. Do do this, I shall analyze the daily activity rhythm of shrimp and goby. Previously, Karplus (1987) has summarized the current knowledge of rhythms of shrimp gobies. The data obtained from these studies will be compared to the results of our study.

 

   
 Copyright Explore Biodiversity Rob Nelson