The Zoologist/4th series, vol 2 (1898)/Issue 682/Some Notes on the Stalk-eyed Crustacea of Great Yarmouth

by Arthur Henry Patterson

 

SOME NOTES ON THE STALK-EYED CRUSTACEA
OF GREAT YARMOUTH.

By Arthur Patterson.

 

The same remarks which have in a previous contribution been applied to the Fishes^[1] hold good in relation to the Crustacea, as far as unsuitability of the tides, &c, to their habits are concerned—"the seaboard in the more immediate neighbourhood of Great Yarmouth is not, in my estimation, favourable, .... the flat, sandy, shifting nature of the bottom affording but little shelter, although in the finer months it abounds in (certain) Crustacea and Entomostraca." With the exception of these common species which, in individual numbers, may be termed " legion," the search for rare and curious forms proves a very unsatisfactory one, an almost entire absence of seaweeds, and no rocky bottom at all, denying harbour (or shelter), while other conditions that appear to be necessary to the welfare of the family are also absent. Such a comparatively barren field has found few, if any, local workers interested in this particular branch of zoological research. The Pagets referred to this when cursorily noticing the Mollusca and Crustacea^[2]—"Excellent opportunities would be found for pursuing the study of a portion of a most extensive class hitherto entirely neglected here, and which do not seem to have received nearly the attention which they deserve in any part of the kingdom: these are the Mollusca, or shells, and the Crustacea of our coasts, in which there is a most wide and unbeaten field of interest."

It was in 1889 that I first commenced recording such Stalkeyed Crustaceans as came to hand, and till then not a list had been made. It was to the shrimpers my thoughts naturally turned, for no better allies could be found, if they could only be sufficiently interested in the subject as they had been in the matter of fishes; although without a doubt it was the chances of earning a little spending money that induced them rather than any other. Certain circumstances (chiefly in connection with the vulgar "struggle for existence") drew me away from the pursuit of the Crustaceans after 1892, or the list might have been more extensive. I am hoping in 1898 to again pursue the subject in conjunction with the Sessile-eyed Crustaceans. Remarkably few specimens, alive or dead, have turned up at the high-water mark, or had they, the Sandhoppers (Talitrus locusta), which abound in the tidal refuse, had made short work of them. The eighty shrimp-boats, each carrying twelve-foot-beamed dredges, covering when in action and working several hours daily a net-frontage of nearly 700 yards, are responsible for the majority of the "finds" here recorded. And it will be a matter for surprise that the list is such a small one, seeing that the myriads of sizeable Shrimps and Æsop's Prawns have each to pass through the shrimpers' fingers; the smaller are, however, riddled back into the water before sorting.

The numbers of the commoner species frequenting the roadstead must be prodigious. Shrimping begins with the first open days of spring, and ends in September or early in October, when some of the men find employment in malthouses or on the Fishwharf. Day after day good catches generally are made. In March, half a peck is thought an average catch. These are "Brown" Shrimps (Crangon vulgaris). I have counted at that season 400 Shrimps to the pint. They run larger in the finer months, and a dozen pecks is a frequent "take." In summer the "Pink" Shrimps or Æsop's Prawns (Pandalus annulicornis) come into the shallows and are more eagerly sought. On certain bottoms, known as the " rough grounds," also as "pink grounds," the shrimpers meet more abundantly with the species; this rough bottom appears to be hard chalky ground, with Fuci and colonies of Sabella and allied forms, which latter, the shrimpers affirin, are a favourirte food of the "pinks."

Fishes of all kinds devour myriads of Shrimps: Pogges, Bullheads, Weevers, and many others, being often surcharged with them; even the Gobies are sometimes found quite obese, having swallowed Shrimps apparently half as big as themselves.

The above remarks apply more particularly to the smaller Macrura.

The Brachyura and Anomura are represented chiefly by a few small resident but interesting species; Cancer pagurus and one or two others are simply wanderers, drifted hither involuntarily by the action of the tides, although Cromer, not more than forty miles northward, is noted for the abundance of the Edible Crab. That it occurs occasionally and unwillingly is not to be wondered at, when, during severe north-westerly winds, weighted crab-pots have been found washed up on our beach.

The only local nets used in the capture of Crustacea are the dredge or drag-net, and the small trawl. The former has a halfoval mouth, a long thin willow pole being bent over a heavily lead- or iron-weighted beam. The net, which has a small mesh, is cone-shaped, ending in an acute angle. The trawl has a fourteen or fifteen feet beam, with all the usual fittings incidental to the ordinary smack's trawl, the mesh being, of course, sufficiently fine to keep within it Shrimps of edible size. In this a few Soles, small Rays, and other fish are sometimes taken. The drag-net is responsible for very little damage, if any, to the edible species; a few immature fish are occasionally taken, although Gobies, Pogges, and other—even for bait—useless species are abundantly netted. It is to be hoped that no harassing legislation will ever be made to hamper a very hardworking body of men who do surprisingly little damage, indeed, if any at all, to the undoubtedly diminishing edible fishes of the North Sea. The "shove-net" has become obsolete.

I have had some difficulty in identifying the various species, there being no very modern popular work on the subject, nor indeed any reference book on the subject in the local libraries, which goes for saying there has been no "call" for one. My best thanks are due to Mr. H.D. Geldart, of Norwich, for help rendered in naming difficult "finds" forwarded to him from time to time; and also to Mr. Liffen, an intelligent local shrimper, who has been particularly helpful in the procuration of specimens both of Crustacea and Fish.

The following abbreviations will denote the position each species holds in the locality:—R. Rare. F. Frequent. C. Common. A. Abundant.

 

Stenorhynchus rostratus. Beaked Spider Crab. C.—Taken in shrimp-nets.

S. tenuirostris. Slender-beaked Spider Crab. C.—A common take in the shrimpers' nets all the summer. Lithodes maia. Thornback Crab. R.—Known to fishermen as "Camperdown Pilots." Most of those seen in fish-shops are brought from the west coast, or from the other side of the German Ocean. Trawlers only bring it in as a kind of curiosity. The dried shell is frequently seen in local fish-shops as a window attraction. Is never eaten here. It has been dredged up in the neighbourhood.

Hyas araneus. Harper Crab. C.—Frequent on the beach in winter time; numbers sometimes washed ashore in frosty weather, when it is seen feebly struggling, not uncommonly on its back, and often heavily berried. Is not at all common in the warmer months. I have frequently found freshly-moulted examples on the sands.

H. coarctatus. F.—Occasionally washed up on the beach.

Eurynome aspera. R.—The only record I have of this species is one taken out of what I am assured was a locally-taken cod-fish, Oct. 7th, 1889. It was in company with Portumnus variegatus.

Pirimela denticulata. Toothed Crab. F.—This pretty little Crab appears to be fairly common, its small size, grey hues, and retiring habits shielding it from casual observation. I first met the species Oct. 9th, 1889. Several times since found on the piles, and amongst seaweed.

Pilumnus hirtellus. Hairy Crab. R.—As a rule this species, I think, merits the title of a rarity. It is seldom found in perfect condition. On Nov. 25th, 1892, I picked up half a dozen on the north beach within the space of a few yards. They had evidently been brought hither from the rough ground at Cromer by strong tides.

Cancer pagurus. Edible Crab. F.—There is no harbour within my "ten mile limit" for this species. Those found occasionally are undoubtedly driven hither by the strong sea currents following north-westerly gales. Have occasionally found small specimens amongst the drift at the high-water mark. By chance a fine example is taken in the shrimp-nets; on one occasion I saw a huge fellow entangled in a draw-net. It had killed a large Sole, and was still holding it with vicious grip. Cromer, forty miles northward, with its stony bottom, is a favourite rendezvous of this species. An example weighing 2½ lb. was taken on a line off Britannia Pier. An illustration of an abnormal development in the pincer-claw of one of the Crabs was given in 'The Zoologist' of last year (p. 340).

Portumnus depurator. Swimming Crab. C.—In the warmer months this voracious species is found most abundantly off this coast. It is a most troublesome take both in the draw and shrimp-nets. In the former it becomes woefully entangled; in the takes of the latter it is a most unwelcome intruder, being eager and alert to nip the fingers deftly sorting over the catches of more valuable crustaceans. I have on occasions observed this species swimming near the surface upon the flood-tide up the Bure.

P. variegatus. Pennant's Swimming Crab. E.—I have met with but very few specimens of this Crab; have taken it from a Cod's maw, and on one or two occasions found examples at the tide-mark.

Carcinus mænas. Shore Crab. A.—Locally known as "Sea-Sammy." This species is most abundant, even extending its travels to the fresher waters up-river. On one occasion I knew one solitary fellow who lived fairly comfortably in a marsh-ditch not far from the Bure. He was an exceedingly interesting little fellow to watch in his strange quarters. Every Yarmouth boy knows and delights in hunting this species, using any vile animal substance as a bait that may be picked up in the gutter on the way to the river. Not a few children's lives have been sacrificed to their love of the sport. As the "green" Shore Crab the name is ambiguous, for highly coloured red examples are as common as those with green-tinted carapaces. No use is locally made of Carcinus, who, however, is a most useful little creature at home, making sepulchre for the many carcases of animals and birds, e.g. cats, pigeons, fish refuse, &c, that would otherwise in the neighbourhood become a decided nuisance. In turn this Crab is provokingly fond of the tempting morsels used by salt-water anglers, on Breydon especially. Myriads of small ones are devoured yearly by Gulls, Herons, and other birds; and Codlings taken on Breydon and in the river are often found packed with them. Eels and Flounders are partial to them also. Mr. Geldart informs me that at Cromer there are sometimes very highly coloured specimens with blue and yellow tints. He has also seen them there measuring as much as six or seven inches across the larger diameter of the shell.

Pinnotheres veterum. Pea Crab. C.—Found in locally-taken Mussels, and in Oysters. I discovered a very large one in an American Oyster; it had a narrow escape. Have found this species in the Sole.

Corystes cassivelaunus. Masked Crab. R.—The first specimen I met with was from the maw of a Haddock caught off the Norfolk coast. It was a female. Found a fine male example in a freshly-taken Cod on Oct. 25th, 1889. Two or three on the shore since that date, both male and female.

Pagurus Bernhardus. Soldier Crab. C.—A very frequent take both in shrimp and draw-nets in the summer months. I have seen Pagurus frequenting all kinds of shells, but have never yet been able to determine any other of the seven reputed British species. Cods taken off the coast are frequently full of shell-less Soldier Crabs. I am of opinion the shell is thrown up again as soon as the tenant is dead and unattached. I never yet found Whelk-shells in a Cod-fish, which appears to me to be rather strange. Have met with many of this species stranded on the beach, but never saw one make any attempt to reach the water again, if only a few feet separated them.

Galathea squamifera. Montagu's Plated Lobster. F.—Known locally as "Philadelphias," this species is occasionally taken with Shrimps. Becomes more abundant further northward of the county.

Porcellana longicornis. Porcelain Crab. R.—Somewhat rare, although common at Cromer. Have met with examples occasionally washed up on the north beach.

[Palinuris vulgaris. Spiny Lobster. (?).—Have occasionally seen examples of this crustacean both at Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Have not known it actually taken locally, although brought in by local smacks. Those exhibited were probably from the west coast of England.]

Homarus vulgaris. Lobster. R.—In the immediate locality the Lobster is by no means common, although some miles northward, and again in the vicinity of Lowestoft, it is a not uncommon take. Have occasionally seen fair-sized specimens brought in by shrimpers. Two, one a very fine one, captured in the Roads in one net, June 15th, 1897. Enormous specimens are occasionally landed from fishing smacks, covered with barnacles and zoophytes. A specimen weighing 10½ lb. is preserved in the town. Boxes of Lobsters, covered with Fucus serratus, sent by rail from Cromer are sold on the fish-wharf.

Nephrops norvegicus. Norway Lobster. A.—I am inclined to give this species a locus standi, having met with examples "almost alive" in the stomachs of locally-taken Cods. The digestion of Crustacea takes place most rapidly in the Cod's maw, the extremities becoming dissolved and gelatinous in a marvellously short space of time. The finding of perfect untouched examples is pretty fair proof of the recent capture of both devourer and victim. Very rarely does this species appear on our fishmongers' slabs, so that as an article of food it is not generally known. It becomes frequent "nor'ard of the Dogger." I have not yet secured a specimen from the shrimpers.

 

Crangon vulgaris. Sand Shrimp. A.—Literally teems on the coast; most abundant in summer time. Very large specimens appear to frequent the shallow waters, as may be seen in the one or two solitary shove-nets now rarely used from the shore. With Pandalus annulicornis it gives a living to a large number of "catchers" and their families, and provides food for multitudes of shore-loving fishes. Is found near shore even in winter, although it is a rare thing for a "catcher" to go out winter. Locally known as "Brown" Shrimp. I met with a curious example on Sept. 9th, 1891. The carapace was brown, the "body" or tail portion being milk-white;^[3] and I previously saw one, after boiling, which was an ivory-white all over.

C. fasciatus. Banded Shrimp. R.—Have had a few brought me occasionally in April and May. It may not be so rare as supposed, owing to the ease with which it may be riddled through the sieve back again into the water.

C. trispinosus. Three-spined Shrimp. F.—Occurs in some numbers, but not often in sufficient abundance to make its sorting out remunerative. Hence it is generally mixed in with the "brown" Shrimps. It is superior in flavour to the "pink" or "brown" Shrimps. Commonest in August. Local, "Yellow"

Shrimp.

Nika edulis. R.—Rarely noticed by the shrimpers, of whom I have had a few examples from time to time. They know it as the "green" Shrimp, owing to the green patch usually seen under the semi-transparent carapace. Several turned up in May, 1889.

N. Couchii. R.—I have but once met with this species.

Hippolyte varians. R.—This small Prawn is known to the shrimpers by the title of "Little Shrimp."

H. Cranchii. R.—Met with but once, viz. on May 29th, 1891.

Pandalus annulicornis. Æsop's Prawn. A.—Local, "Pink Shrimp" (vide remarks in introduction). Is a very vile feeder, but of delicate flavour itself. Dies almost immediately it is taken out of the water. When freshly taken its hues are decidedly pinkish, the colour deepening by the process of boiling. Sometimes exceedingly highly-coloured specimens are taken. Larger catches of this species than of Crangon vulgaris constitute the takes of local shrimpers during the summer months. A good and profitable average catch is from eight to ten pecks. Twenty pecks have been taken in a tide, but a glut always proves anything but welcome from a financial point of view. I have frequently found this species with a parasite attached to the abdomen under the first ring. Mr. Geldart refers it to Phryxus abdominalis. The female is most commonly found, and has much resemblance to a minute octopod.

Palæmon serratus. Prawn. R.—Locally is extremely rare; the news of the capture of one by a shrimper becomes quite an item of conversation amongst the fraternity. Only comparatively small examples are taken.

P. squilla. White Prawn. F.—This fine sturdy species is not an infrequent take in the trawls occasionally used on Breydon.^[4] This Prawn appears to prefer a muddy habitat. It is seldom taken offshore. Local, "Breydon Shrimp."

P. varians. Ditch Prawn. A.—Known locally as the "Freshwater Shrimp," which is erroneous, Gammarus pulex being a sessile-eyed crustacean, equally abundant. Abounds in all the ditches which traverse the marshes abutting on the valleys of the Waveney and Bure. This species is exceedingly interesting to watch both in its native haunts and in captivity. It is impossible to secure one by hand, even when a number are "skirring" over the fingers held under water. I have been much amused watching Sticklebacks endeavouring to dislodge these Prawns from favourite corners in an aquarium. This species makes a killing perch-bait.

Mysis chamæleon. Opossum Shrimp. A.—The salt water in the warmer months teems with myriads of this species. The margins of the rivers, if examined very closely, will be seen to be simply full of them. They are the favourite food of many round fishes; I have examined young Herrings running from three to six inches in length, finding them well filled with Mysis. On one occasion I dissected a stranded six-inch Herring, whose maw contained 143 Opossum Shrimps. It is amusing to observe Flounders gliding along the shallows into the midst of a shoal of these, and to see the latter spring out from the water at their pursuers' rushes, like a swarm of Lilliputian flying fishes. Around piles these Shrimps may be seen swimming and darting in a perpendicular attitude.

M. vulgaris. "Opossum Shrimp." A.—This also occurs.

 

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1. "The Marine and Fresh-water Fishes of Great Yarmouth and its neighbouring Coasts, Rivers, and Broads," 'The Zoologist,' 1897, pp. 539-567.
2. 'Sketch of the Natural History of Yarmouth and its Neighbourhood,' by C.J. & James Paget, 1834; introduction, p. xvi.
3. The figure is from a rough drawing made by Mr. Patterson, designed only to show varietal coloration, and not to be commended for structural accuracy. The drawing has been photographed as received.—Ed.
4. Only two or three worn-out shrimp-boats are used for this purpose; eel-pouts are sought for to be sent away to the crabbers for bait. Flounders and other fish are occasionally taken, and also some numbers of this species of Crustacea.