The effects of red tide (Karenia brevis) on reflex impairment and mortality of sublegal Florida stone crabs, Menippe mercenaria

The Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, is a major commercial fishery that occurs primarily along Florida's west coast, where harmful algal blooms of Karenia brevis frequently develop. To determine sublethal and lethal effects of K. brevis on M. mercenaria, we exposed sublegal stone crabs to three seawater treatments in laboratory conditions: no K. brevis (control), a low-toxin K. brevis strain (Wilson LT), and a toxic K. brevis (New Pass strain). Total food consumed, reflex impairment and survivorship of each crab was monitored throughout the nine-day experiment. Crabs in the toxic treatment consumed 67% less food. The probability of an individual losing a reflex significantly increased with time (days), and there was a 42% decrease in survivorship in the toxic treatment. This is the first study to demonstrate negative effects of K. brevis on the stone crab, presenting the critical need of further investigation to fully understand how red tide may impact sustainability of the fishery. •Sublegal stone crabs consumed significantly less food in the red tide treatment relative to the control.•Crabs exposed to red tide were more likely to undergo reflex impairment.•Exposure to red tide resulted in a 42% decrease in the survivorship of sublegal crabs.