Residency and size affect fight duration and outcome in the fiddler crab Uca annulipes

摘要: We performed a field experiment to investigate the effect of carapace width, major cheliped length and burrow ownership on fighting success male fiddler crabs (Uca annulipes). removed males from their burrows released them back into colony (n = 82). Released tended initiate encounters with owners slightly smaller than themselves. Several general predictions Sequential Assessment Game models contest behaviour were supported: (1) residents won more encounters; (2) intruders likely win when larger residents. When body size (carapace width) was controlled for, relatively large claws for contests; (3) duration related difference between males; (4) by shorter those male; (5) resident be (P 0·07); (6) average, encounter longer intruder resident. However, we documented began seemingly costly such as pushing inter-locking did not unambiguously escalate initial low cost behaviours. assessment relative ability may therefore have been occurring. Prior visual opponents' ability, followed ‘all-out fights’ during physical also provide plausible explanation our results.