Respiration in three species of the genus Gladioferens (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Abstract

Respiration in Gladioferens pectinatus, G. symmetricus and G. spinosus varied from means of 0.23 to 0.47 µlO₂, per copepod per hour. In salinities from 4 to 13‰ the lowest values were at 13‰ and the highest at 4‰. Respiration did not vary with winter and spring temperatures. It is suggested that higher respiration at salinities well below the isomotic point reflect the 'work' being done in hyperosmotic regulation. Attention is drawn to a modified manometric method giving greatly increased sensitivity for respiration measurement of small animals such as copepods.