4 The effect of alcohol and freezing preservation on carapace size and shape in Liocarcinus depurator (Crustacea, Brachyura)

Abstract

Morphometric and shape analysis are usually performed on preserved specimens. The current paper examines the effect of two common preservation methods, freezing and alcohol, on the shape and magnitude of crab’s carapace. The carapace widths and images of the carapace of two batches of the swimming crab, Liocarcinus depurator were taken before and after preservation. The carapace width was measured by two operatives and discrepancy between the two was analysed. The carapace images were analysed using geometric morphometric analysis. The carapace widths decreased significantly, though minimally, after preservation. Geometric morphometric indicated significant differences after preservation in the uniform shape components only indicating global differences rather than localised differentials.