Larval energy metabolism and physiological variability in the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus
March, A.G.; Cohen, S.; Epifanio, Ch.E. (2001). Larval energy metabolism and physiological variability in the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 218: 303-309. https://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps218303
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
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| Keywords |
Hemigrapsus sanguineus (De Haan, 1835) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- March, A.G.
- Cohen, S.
- Epifanio, Ch.E.
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| Abstract |
Larvae of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus were reared in the laboratory during zoeal development (Stages I to V, ~15 d at 25°C and 30‰ S). Measurements of respiration rates, lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) and total protein content were made daily on indivi-dual larvae (n = 181) in order to assess the level of individual variance in energy metabolism during development. On average, zoeal development in H. sanguineus was estimated to require 43.8 J of metabolic energy to reach a megalope stage; however, the level of individual variance in metabolic rates resulted in a range of 23.8 to 67.9 J (~3-fold difference). LDH specific activities also evidenced a wide range in individual values during development (12 to 785 µU µg -1 protein). Although respiration rates were correlated with LDH specific activity (r 2 = 0.628), it is more interesting to note the negative correlation between the variance in these measurements (r 2 = 0.796), indicating a substantial degree of individual differences in metabolic activities among these larvae. At present, phenotypic variations in physiological rate processes are not considered in life-history models of larval development, which could be an important variable determining the survival and dispersal of a larval cohort. |
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