Fight Strategies Differwith Size Andallometric Growthof Claws in Crayfish, Orconectesrusticus

This study examines differences in Ž ghting strategies between small and large male crayŽ sh, Orconectes rusticus. Due to allometric growth of claws, Ž ghting weapons are of disproportionate size in large crayŽ sh compared to those in smaller individuals. Presumably, such differences in the prominence of claws are re ected in differences in the likelihood of injuries, and we thus explored Ž ghting in size-matchedpairs of small or large crayŽ sh and assessed associated strategies in situations of con ict. Although Ž ghting reached the highest intensities in a similar proportion of instances in small and large pairs, differences in Ž ghting strategies were evident. Small crayŽ sh escalated more rapidly, Ž ghts were settled more quickly, and were resolved overall at lower intensities. This may be explained by lower risks of injury compared to encounters among larger males due to proportionally smaller claws. Larger males thus appear to spend considerably more time in assessing their opponent’s Ž ghting ability before each escalation event.