Effect of salinity acclimation on osmoregulation inCrangon crangonandPraunus flexuosus

Abstract

Abstract The effect of acclimation to low or high salinity on the osmoregulatory abilities of Crangon crangon L. (Crustacea, Natantia) from two habitats (Aberdour, Scotland and Oresund, Denmark) and Praunus flexuosus (Muller) (Crustacea, Mysidacea) from Oresund, Denmark has been investigated. The effect of salinity acclimation on the salinity tolerance of Crangon was also examined. Animals acclimated for a long time to low salinity in the laboratory, or from low salinity habitats, were found to have enhanced hyperosmotic regulation when exposed to low salinities. Animals acclimated for a long time to high salinity in the laboratory, or from a high salinity habitat, were found to have enhanced hypo-osmotic regulation when exposed to high salinities. Acclimation to low salinity also extended the survival time in low salinities, and high salinity acclimation extended the survival time in high salinities. It is shown that the difference in the osmoregulatory abilities of populations from different habitats ar...