Mutel, M.H.E., D.A. Waugh, R.M. Feldmann, and K.M. Parsons-Hubbard (2008) Experimental taphonomy of Callinectes sapidus and cuticular controls on preservation. Palaios23: 615–623. PDF is 1.6MB
Experimental taphonomy of _Callinectes sapidus_ and cuticular controls on preservation
Secondary Title
Palaios
Secondary Authors
Tertiary Title
Tertiary Authors
Volume
23
Issue
Pages
615–623
Place published
Published
Date
URL
Abstract
Examination of remains of Callinectes sapidus deployed in several
depth and environmental settings in the Bahamas and Gulf of Mexico
as part of the Shelf and Slope Experimental Taphonomy Initiative
project revealed that all specimens were uniformly and strongly de-
graded except those in brine-seep settings. Fragmentation and loss of
cuticular material at all sites was correlated to the degree of calcifi-
cation within the cuticle of different skeletal elements as observed in
the undeployed specimens. Claws, tips of the last anterolateral spine,
and mandibles were the most durable remains. In brine-seep areas,
extraordinary preservation yielded articulated skeletal elements and
some soft tissue. Examination of the cuticle in control specimens with
cross-polarized light and computed tomographic scanning documents
the correspondence of high degrees of calcification with portions of
the exoskeleton remaining after deployment.