Abstract
Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents were measured in the most common caprellid species inhabiting intertidal ecosystems of southern Spain (Caprella acanthifera, C. danilevskii, C. dilatata, C. equilibra, C. grandimana, C. hirsuta, C. liparotensis and C. penantis). Five gammarid species (Ampithoe sp., Apherusa sp., Hyale perieri, H. schmidtii and Jassa marmorata), three isopods (Dynamene edwardsi, Idotea chelipes and Ischyromene lacazei) and the tanid Tanais dulongi were also collected for comparison. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that concentrations of Na, K and Mg were significantly higher in caprellids than in the remaining peracarids, probably due to different activity patterns associated with different feeding strategies. On the other hand, isopods and tanaids showed higher Ca concentrations than caprellids and gammarids, probably due to stronger cuticles in more robust bodies. Caprellid females showed higher concentrations of Ca than males and lower Na and K concentrations, related to reproductive purposes (e.g. egg composition) and possible differences in activity patterns during the clinging behaviour. This work represents the first study of cations in caprellids.
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