Postmolt mineralization of the exoskeleton of juvenile california brown shrimp, Penaeus californiensis (Decapoda: Penaeidae)

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. A, Comparative physiology Vol. 62; no. 4; pp. 889 - 893
• Main Authors: Huner, Jay V, Colvin, L.Benard, Reid, B.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 1979
• ISSN: 0300-9629
• DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(79)90023-9

1. 1. Rostrum, carapace and abdominal regions of the exoskeletons of juvenile Penaeus californiensis (3–4 g) were analyzed for calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels at 0. 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr postmolt. 2. 2. Calcium and magnesium reached relatively constant levels within 24 hr postmolt. Rostrum and carapace calcium values (maxium) were higher, 12–14% than those of the abdomen, 8%. Likewise, rostrum and carapace magnesium values (maxium) were higher, 0.9–1.2%. than those of the abdomen, 0.6%. There was no consistent pattern in changes in phosphorus with regard to body parts and time. Phosphorus values (maxium) varied from 0.5 to 1.2%. 3. 3. Dry weight of all body parts increased rapidly between 0 and 24 hr postmolt. Gradual increases from 24 to 96 hr suggested that there was continuous, but reduced, synthesis of matrix during that period.