Aerial and Aquatic Respiration in the River Crab Potamonautes Warreni Calman with Notes on Gill Structure

Abstract

Summary The oxygen consumption rate (ṀO2) for Potamonauteus warreni Calman (= Potamon warreni (Calman) kept in 25 °C water was 34,4 μmol 1−1 O2 kg−1 and after 72 hours in 98% R.H. air the rate was 31,9 μmol 1−1 O2 kg−1 min−1. The ṀO2 values for each of the two groups are not significantly different (P > 0,05). The partial oxygen tension of pre-branchial (v = venous) haemolymph (PvCO2) is 15,3 mm Hg in water and 13,0 mm Hg in air); partial carbon dioxide tension of pre-branchial (v) haemolymph (PvCO2) is 13,2 mm Hg in water and 13,0 mm Hg in air); the total carbon dioxide concentration in pre-branchial (v) haemolymph (CvCO2) tot. is 12,3 mmol 1−1 in air and 13,9 mmol 1−1 in water) are not significantly different for the two groups (P > 0,05). The haemolymph pH and the lactate concentration for crabs in water was found to be 7,51 and 0,38 mmol 1−1 respectively. No significant differences were found in pre-branchial haemolymph oxygen tension, carbon dioxide tension, total carbon dioxide content, haemolymph p...