Comparative ecophysiology of gammarids (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from marine, brackish and freshwater habitats exposed to the influence of salinity-temperature combinations. 3. Oxygen uptake

• Published in: Netherlands journal of sea research Vol. 7; pp. 253 - 266
• Main Author: Dorgelo, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1973
• Subjects: Marine
• ISSN: 0077-7579

Wt-specific respiratory rates in males of 3 gammarids from different salinity regimes, ranging from the marine environment to strictly fresh water, were measured by routine manometric methods in order to assess the main as well as the interaction effects of salinity and temp. The results were submitted to an analysis of variance. All spp demonstrate a reversible more or less decreasing QO sub(2) at increasing salinity. This statistically well established phenomenon does not depend on the salinity boundaries of the various spp in nature. Salinity sensitivity increases at higher temps. The influence of temp is great, with exception of the intertidal Chaetogammarus marinus, between 5 degrees and 15 degrees C. The effect of interaction of salinity and temp on respiration was significant, again with the exception of Chaetogammarus marinus. The absence of the temp effect as well as the interaction of temp in salinity-dependent respiration have positive ecological implications in the fluctuating temp regime of the intertidal area and probably are characteristic for this biotope.