Fiddler Crab Digestive System
The Fiddler Crab physiology is similar if not the same to other crabs in its region. In order, the 1st and 2nd antenna are used to interact with its environment through touch.
The Cheliped is the Fiddler Crab's first pair of legs, which is used to gather food and for defense in a fight.
The Digestive gland, which is also called the
Hepatopancreas, is to absorb the digested food and its job is also to separate the digestive enzymes.
The Gills is essentially where the crab "breathes" air, by filtration of the water to absorb oxygen.
The walking leg, which has 3 pairs, is used for the movement of the crab. They can walk in any direction, but most commonly walk sideways.
The Heart's job is to pump throughout the circulatory system. It is found in the lower part of the crab's body.
The Swimming legs are exactly that: legs that allow the crab to swim through water. They are flatten for swimming.
The Cardiac stomach, or simply the stomach of the crab, is used to break down food particles that were swallowed.
The Gonad is also known as the testes, which is the male reproductive system. (1)
Lastly the Gill rakers are used to brush moisture over the gills to prevent them for dehydrating.
(1) http://home.earthlink.net/~wweinkle/Crablab.htm
Food Pathway
The Cheliped is the Fiddler Crab's first pair of legs, which is used to gather food and for defense in a fight.
The Digestive gland, which is also called the
Hepatopancreas, is to absorb the digested food and its job is also to separate the digestive enzymes.
The Gills is essentially where the crab "breathes" air, by filtration of the water to absorb oxygen.
The walking leg, which has 3 pairs, is used for the movement of the crab. They can walk in any direction, but most commonly walk sideways.
The Heart's job is to pump throughout the circulatory system. It is found in the lower part of the crab's body.
The Swimming legs are exactly that: legs that allow the crab to swim through water. They are flatten for swimming.
The Cardiac stomach, or simply the stomach of the crab, is used to break down food particles that were swallowed.
The Gonad is also known as the testes, which is the male reproductive system. (1)
Lastly the Gill rakers are used to brush moisture over the gills to prevent them for dehydrating.
(1) http://home.earthlink.net/~wweinkle/Crablab.htm
Food Pathway
- The Fiddler Crab uses its Cheliped to gather food and begins the process of filter feeding.
- The filter food goes through the digestive glands, where the enzymes break down the food and to absorb its nutrients.
- The Cardiac Stomach breaks down the rest of the food particles that were swallowed as well.
- From there, it goes through the anus and its turned into waste.