Publication Abstract

Oxygen uptake of developing eggs of Cancer pagurus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cancridae) and consequent behaviour of the ovigerous females

Oxygen uptake of developing eggs ofCancer pagurus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cancridae) and consequent behaviour of the ovigerousfemales

J.K. Naylor, E.W. Taylor and D.B. Bennett

This studyinvestigated factors affecting the metabolic rate of Cancer pagurus eggs. Theoxygen uptake of portions of the egg mass and recently hatched zoeae was measured. Oxygenuptake of the eggs of an individual animal was found to vary widely, with measured meanvalues under normoxic conditions ranging from 38 to 250 µmoles O₂ kg^-1min^-1.Mean values for the oxygen uptake of zoeae ranged from 958 to 1168 µmoles O₂kg^-1min^-1. Mean rates of oxygen uptake of the eggs generallyincreased with increasing seasonal temperature and advancing developmental stage. Rates ofoxygen uptake were maintained over a wide range of ambient oxygen partial pressures. Asoxygen partial pressure in the seawater surrounding the eggs fell from a critical value (P_c)of between 60 and 90 mm Hg, the oxygen uptake of the eggs also declined. Mean values forambient oxygen partial pressures within the egg mass in vivo ranged from 34 to 98 mm Hg.Adult female C. pagurus appear to be able to detect conditions within the eggmass and adjust their egg ventilation behaviour accordingly. Active egg mass ventilationby the adult increased as the eggs became more developed and their oxygen demandsincreased.

Reference:

J.K. Naylor, E.W. Taylor and D.B. Bennett, 1999. Oxygen uptake of developing eggs ofCancer pagurus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cancridae) and consequent behaviour of the ovigerousfemales. Journal of Marine Biological Association of UK, 79 (2): 305-315.

J.K. Naylor, E.W. Taylor and D.B. Bennett*

Journal of Marine Biological Association of UK, 79 (2): 305-315