OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF COROPHIUM VOLUTATOR IN RELATION TO SALINITY

1. 1. The oxygen consumption of Corophium volutator, a mud-dwelling euryhaline amphipod, has been measured using microvolumetric respirometers. 2. 2. Comparison was made of animals of the same size, at the same level of activity, at 10°C, acclimitized to salinities 1, 10, 20 and 30%. 3. 3. No significant differences were found in oxygen consumption, between animals in different salinities. 4. 4. In all salinities a logarithmic relationship was noted between oxygen consumption and dry weight. 5. 5. These findings, in conjunction with previous findings, are discussed in relation to the energy requirements of osmoregulation, with particular regard to the conservation of energy by the production of hypo-osmotic urine, the suggested uptake of ions from food, and the possibility of a shift in the energy requirements of different metabolic processes under osmotic stress, perhaps from growth into osmoregulation. © 1969.