Abstract

The combined effects of temperature and salinity on the rate of oxygen consuption by the estuarine crab Panopeus herbstii Milne-Edwards (Crustacea: Decapoda: Xanthidae) were studied. Crabs were acclimated to all combinations of 10° and 23°C and 5 and 30% S. The rate of oxygen consumption was measured at 10° and 25°C in experimental salinities of 5, 15, 30, and 40%. Following acclimation to 23°C and 5% S, the rate of oxygen consumption by female crabs was significantly lower than that of males. No other experimental treatments resulted in significant rate differences between males and females. The anticipated response of an increase in oxygen consumption upon exposure of this euryhaline crab to low salinity occurred. Similarly, compensatory adjustment to low temperature following acclimation was evidenced. However, unpredictable patterns of response were elicited by specific experimental manipulations of temperature and salinity. Thermal sensitivity of oxygen uptake as reflected by Q10 was also influenced by experimental conditions and further substantiated the occurrence of interactions between temperature and salinity.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.