Abstract
Abstract 1. Instantaneous and integrated mean flow of air through the gill chambers of Gecarcinus lateralis and Cardisoma guanhumi were measured using a hot-wire flow meter. 2. Resting rates of ventilation averaged 41 and 17 cm 3 min −1 100g −1 , and mean frequencies ranged from 45 to 447/min. 3. Instantaneous flow patterns were complex, characterized by periodic apnea at rest, occasional activity of one scaphognathite at a time, and asynchrony (producing oscillatory records) of the two scaphognathites. 4. The response of Gercarcinus to hypoxia was irregular, but did not include large compensatory increases in ventilation. 5. Ventilation in both species increased greatly in response to hypercapnia, making them more similar in this respect to other air-breathers than to aquatic crabs.
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