Contrasting habitats occupied by sibling spider crabs Maja squinado and Maja brachydactyla (Brachyura, Majidae) can influence the biochemical variability displayed by newly hatched larvae

Abstract

We compared the biochemical composition of newly hatched larvae (NHL) of Maja squinado and Maja brachydactyla, recording significant differences in carbohydrate levels, amylase activity and fatty acid content (20:4n−6, 20:5n−3 and 22:6n−3). Multivariate analysis clearly discriminated NHL of both species, suggesting that trophically stable environments might favor NHL with more homogenous biochemical profiles (Atlantic M. brachydactyla) and less predictable trophic scenarios favor intra-specific variability in the biochemical profile of NHL (Mediterranean M. squinado).