STANDARD RATE OF O 2 UPTAKE AND BODY SIZE IN THE CRAYFISH PACIFASTACUS LENIUSCULUS (DANA, 1852) (DECAPODA: ASTACIDAE): INTRA- VERSUS INTERSPECIFIC RELATIONS IN CRUSTACEANS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The allometric relation for standard O2 uptake rate (MO,) was investigated in the crayfish P. leniusculus ranging from 0.0334-69.40 g at 12°C. When converted to watts the relationship had a mass exponent of 0.789 and a mass coefficient of 0.282 (intercept at 1 kg). Another intraspecific study on kelp crabs (Weymouth et al., 1944) had an identical mass exponent, but different mass coefficient which may be species specific. Interspecific analysis of published data for aquatic decapods produced a significantly higher mass exponent (0.877) and a lower intercept (0.128). The value of intra- versus interspecific allometric analysis is discussed in the context of a prospectus for future investigations.