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Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd...
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Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Zoology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 5762

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Lutz Auerswald

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
Interests: crustacean; animal sciences; lobsters; fisheries; aquaculture; animal physiology; marine biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Shrimps, crabs, and lobsters form the bulk of the crustacean order Decapoda within the class Malacostraca. There are approximately 15,000 members of this order, which populates diverse habitats around the world. They are often ecologically key species and are important, if not essential, for the functioning of marine, freshwater, and even some terrestrial food webs and ecosystems. Many of the species represent important fisheries resources and aquaculture species. Some of the species, especially lobsters, are among the most valuable and prized seafood, while others are important sources of marine bio-compounds. Due to their importance, some decapod species have undergone a reasonably thorough investigation. However, in general, the sheer number of species and their biodiversity mean that this group remains under-researched and is far from sufficiently understood. In addition, research often focuses on aquaculture species due to their economic importance and the ease of researching them in captivity. Other, less economically valuable species have received much less attention. There is, therefore, a mounting need for further studies in shrimps, crabs, and lobsters. As such, the aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update on all aspects of biological research into shrimps, crabs, and lobsters.

Prof. Dr. Lutz Auerswald
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Crustacea
  • Decapoda
  • biology
  • fishery
  • aquaculture
  • ecology
  • bio-compounds
  • seafood
  • physiology
  • immunology
  • genetics

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 6058 KB  
Article
Molecular Identification of HR97 in the Swimming Crab Portunus trituberculatus and Its Potential Involvement in Ovarian Development
by Di Hou, Yuhao Bao, Yuxiong Chen, Qi Zhou, Xiaoyu Zhu, Xi Xie and Dongfa Zhu
Biology 2026, 15(4), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15040312 - 11 Feb 2026
Viewed by 643
Abstract
Nuclear receptor HR97 is considered as a non-insect arthropod–specific receptor, but its roles in decapod reproduction remain poorly understood. Here, we identified and characterized an HR97 ortholog from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus (PtHR97) and verified its placement within the NR1L [...] Read more.
Nuclear receptor HR97 is considered as a non-insect arthropod–specific receptor, but its roles in decapod reproduction remain poorly understood. Here, we identified and characterized an HR97 ortholog from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus (PtHR97) and verified its placement within the NR1L nuclear receptor family by phylogenetic analysis. PtHR97 encodes a canonical nuclear receptor with a conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD). Quantitative PCR revealed predominant PtHR97 expression in the ovary and stage-dependent changes during ovarian development. Using an ovarian explant culture system, we found that arachidonic acid (AA) consistently suppressed PtHR97 transcript levels, while methyl farnesoate (MF) and pyriproxyfen (P) had no significant effect, indicating a potential inhibitory role for AA in PtHR97 expression. RNA interference of HR97 caused significant changes in ovarian development, including reduced GSI, smaller oocytes, and uneven eosinophilic granule distribution. Transcriptomic profiling of HR97-silenced ovaries indicated that the major responses involved genes associated with substrate transport/exchange, cell boundary–related signaling and transduction, and disturbed nuclear transcriptional regulation. Short-term in vivo perturbations (HR97 RNAi and AA treatment) further supported these expression changes and revealed that AA- and HR97 RNAi–elicited transcriptional responses only partially overlapped. Taken together, these results suggest that HR97 contributes to ovarian development, potentially through broad transcriptional responses related to transport, signaling, and gene regulation. Although AA may suppress HR97 expression, HR97 does not fully explain AA-mediated regulation of ovarian development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd Edition))
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22 pages, 8016 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Analysis and Candidate Gene Identification for Resistance to “Milky Disease” in the Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
by Yilin Yu, Xiaochen Liang, Na Sun, Yan Zheng, Bingyu Li, Qingbiao Hu, Yingying Zhao, Yongan Bai and Xiaodong Li
Biology 2026, 15(3), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15030235 - 27 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 688
Abstract
“Milky disease” of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), caused by Metschnikowia bicuspidata, leads to substantial economic losses. Despite extensive research on its pathogenesis, the genetic basis of host resistance and underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear, limiting the development of [...] Read more.
“Milky disease” of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), caused by Metschnikowia bicuspidata, leads to substantial economic losses. Despite extensive research on its pathogenesis, the genetic basis of host resistance and underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear, limiting the development of disease-resistant varieties. This study aimed to (1) evaluate resistance differences among 10 E. sinensis families (five highly resistant and five sensitive) via artificial challenge; (2) identify disease-resistance-associated genetic loci using genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). Our findings revealed that the F05 family exhibited the strongest resistance, with a mortality rate of only 3% and a molting rate of 73%, accompanied by superior growth performance. Whole-genome resequencing identified 10,161,545 high-quality SNPs, and GWAS detected 767 loci significantly associated with disease-resistance traits, among which two pleiotropic SNPs (Chr46:18395778 and Chr1:20680490) were simultaneously associated with both “dead or not” and “qPCR fixed amount of fungi”, reflecting their functional relevance in regulating survival and pathogen load. Notably, we propose for the first time that E. sinensis achieves resistance by inducing M. bicuspidata into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, in which the fungal cells remain metabolically active but cannot form colonies on conventional culture media. This study establishes a multidimensional resistance evaluation system, clarifies the genetic basis and novel mechanism of resistance, and provides valuable molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding. The findings contribute to reducing disease-related losses and promoting sustainable development of the E. sinensis aquaculture industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd Edition))
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26 pages, 5040 KB  
Article
Linking Biological Parameters to Fishery Management: Stock Assessment of Green Tiger Prawn, Penaeus semisulcatus De Haan, 1844 Along the Red Sea Coast of Saudi Arabia
by Eyüp Mümtaz Tıraşın, Sheeja Gireesh, Sirajudheen Thayyil Kadengal, Ronald Grech Santucci, Zahra Okba, Santhosh Kumar Charles, Goutham Bharathi Muthu Palani, Adel M. S. Adam and Mark Dimech
Biology 2026, 15(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010008 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1132
Abstract
Penaeus semisulcatus is the dominant commercial prawn species along the Saudi Arabian coast in the southeastern Red Sea, yet its population dynamics remain poorly understood. This study examined growth, maturity, and mortality using fishery-independent samples obtained during trawl surveys off Jizan and Al [...] Read more.
Penaeus semisulcatus is the dominant commercial prawn species along the Saudi Arabian coast in the southeastern Red Sea, yet its population dynamics remain poorly understood. This study examined growth, maturity, and mortality using fishery-independent samples obtained during trawl surveys off Jizan and Al Qunfudhah between October 2022 and September 2023. A total of 85,909 individuals were examined, exhibiting carapace lengths (CL) between 1.29 and 56.14 mm and weights (W) ranging from 0.91 to 94.99 g. The sex ratio (1:1.06) was slightly male-biased. The CL–W relationships were W = 0.00427·CL2.50 for females and W = 0.01274·CL2.16 for males. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were CL∞ = 60.16 mm, K = 1.03 year−1 for females and CL∞ = 48.10 mm, K = 1.02 year−1 for males. Females first matured at a CL of 22.09 mm. Exploitation rates (0.63 for females and 0.69 for males) and spawning potential ratio analysis indicated severe overfishing, with spawning stock biomass reduced to 19% of its unexploited level. These results highlight the necessity for immediate management intervention. Reducing fishing effort by half, extending seasonal closures, and improving the selectivity of trawl gear are advised to facilitate stock recovery and support sustainable exploitation in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 927 KB  
Article
UV-B Resistance in Artemia: A Comparative Analysis Across Altitudinal Gradients, Development Stages, and Reproductive Modes
by Jiawei Xu, Cheng Ma, Bingheng Chen, Yunhao Guo, Malik Qammar, Yingguo Gan, Xiaoqi Yu and Zhichao Wang
Biology 2025, 14(12), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121763 - 10 Dec 2025
Viewed by 825
Abstract
The Artemia exhibit broad environmental adaptability and distinct reproductive modes, making them ideal for studying stress tolerance. Solar UV-B radiation poses a threat to aquatic organisms; however, for Artemia—a key aquatic organism characterized by a wide altitudinal distribution range and unique reproductive [...] Read more.
The Artemia exhibit broad environmental adaptability and distinct reproductive modes, making them ideal for studying stress tolerance. Solar UV-B radiation poses a threat to aquatic organisms; however, for Artemia—a key aquatic organism characterized by a wide altitudinal distribution range and unique reproductive modes—it remains unclear how their UV-B resistance varies with altitudinal gradients, developmental stages, and reproductive modes. Here, we evaluated six Artemia species/lineages (three bisexual species, three parthenogenetic lineages) from 113 to 4700 m altitude across three developmental stages (embryo, nauplius, adult) under gradient UV-B doses. Key results: (1) UV-B resistance showed a dose-dependent positive correlation with altitude, especially under high-dose UV-B (6.4 kJ·m−2, R2 = 0.72, p < 0.01); (2) Adults had the highest resistance, while nauplii were the most vulnerable; (3) Bisexual species had 41–57% higher adult survival rates than parthenogenetic lineages at similar altitudes, but parthenogenetic lineages showed higher embryo relative hatching rates. These findings clarify the adaptive traits of Artemia in response to UV-B stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 5163 KB  
Article
Morphology and Histological Observation of the Male Reproductive System in the Swimming Crab (Portunus trituberculatus)
by Hao Wang, Nahayo Viateur, Litao Wan, Peng Tan, Jie He and Lijian Xue
Biology 2025, 14(12), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121697 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is an economically important marine crab species in China. Understanding the structure and function of the male reproductive system in the swimming crab is crucial for increasing reproductive efficiency. Although studies on its reproductive biology have [...] Read more.
The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is an economically important marine crab species in China. Understanding the structure and function of the male reproductive system in the swimming crab is crucial for increasing reproductive efficiency. Although studies on its reproductive biology have increased in recent years, the ultrastructure of the male copulatory system remains insufficiently explored. In this study, gonadal tissues [testes (T), anterior vas deferens (AVD), middle vas deferens (MVD), posterior vas deferens (PVD)] and copulatory organs [first gonopod (G1), second gonopod (G2), penis] of P. trituberculatus were sampled as experimental materials, and we systematically investigated the morphological and functional characteristics of male reproductive and copulatory organs in P. trituberculatus using anatomical, stereomicroscopic and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The results indicate that the male copulatory system comprises the G1, G2, and the penis. The G1 shows a tubular structure, with its endopodite bearing spines that anchor the female during copulation. The G2 is short, stout, solid and rod-shaped, with surface folds and blunt teeth, indicating its role in propelling the spermatophore within the G1. The penis is flexible and covered with elongated, rigid setae. Internally, the reproductive system displays a bilaterally symmetrical “H”-shaped architecture, consisting of the testes; anterior, middle, and posterior vas deferens; and the ejaculatory ducts. These segments have different structures and function in forming, storing, and transporting spermatophores. These findings provide important insights into the reproductive strategies and mating mechanisms of P. trituberculatus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 1707 KB  
Article
A Dynamic Energy Budget Model for the Non-Continuous and Biphasic Growth of the Pond-Cultured Swimming Crab, Portunus trituberculatus
by Yi Jiang, Fan Lin, Jingyan Zhang, Ming Bao, Baoquan Gao, Jitao Li and Xianliang Meng
Biology 2025, 14(12), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121682 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 815
Abstract
The swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, is an important mariculture crustacean species in China. To quantitatively characterize its discontinuous and biphasic growth under intensive aquaculture conditions, we developed a modified growth model based on the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory. The model incorporates [...] Read more.
The swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, is an important mariculture crustacean species in China. To quantitatively characterize its discontinuous and biphasic growth under intensive aquaculture conditions, we developed a modified growth model based on the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory. The model incorporates a discontinuous growth representation that explicitly accounts for the molting process. Molting events were parameterized using a threshold ratio (α), defined as the carbon weight-to-wet weight ratio, with stage-dependent critical values derived from laboratory experiments and published datasets. Laboratory experiments were designed to estimate the energy-budget-related parameters together with data from the literature. In addition, by introducing a feedback mechanism for the energy demand of ovarian development, a set of κ values was calibrated with data from the literature to reproduce the stage-specific growth determined by ovarian development. The model was validated with growth data from several published studies related to the growth of P. trituberculatus, as well as measurements from the aquaculture ponds. Multiple goodness-of-fit indices (R-square, modeling efficiency, and Theil’s inequality coefficient) confirmed that the modified DEB model accurately reproduced both wet weight and ovarian growth trajectories, along with the characteristic non-continuous pattern of molting-driven wet weight increase. The individual growth model can be a useful tool for optimizing the intensive culture practice of the swimming crab in the aquaculture ponds and assessing the environmental impact of crab aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Research into Shrimps, Crabs and Lobsters (2nd Edition))
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