Synchronization of the Locomotor Tidal Rhythm of Carcinus

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Abstract
1. A period of 11 days between tidemarks or below tidemarks entrains a persistent tidal rhythm in Carcinus. Two days exposure is effective between tidemarks but much less so below. 2. Laboratory temperature cycles of tidal periodicity for 5 days will impose a persistent rhythm on crabs kept moist in air when the temperature differential is 11° C but not when it is 4° C. A 4° C differential is effective if crabs are immersed in sea water at the low temperature parts of the cycle. 3. A combination of tidal variables therefore appears to act as synchronizers for the locomotor rhythm and, though not investigated, it is suggested that hydrostatic pressure change is another possible synchronizer. 4. Eyestalkless crabs show increased activity at high temperatures and decreased activity at low temperatures. These responses are the reverse of those occurring in normal crabs and are consistent with the view that eyestalks are the site of an inhibitory neuroendocrine mechanism.

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