Combined effects of temperature and salinity on the zoeal development of the green crab, Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Decapoda: Portunidae)
M. Nagaraj

Studies on the combined effects of temperature and salinity on the zoeal development of the green crab Carcinus maenas were undertaken to understand the optimum conditions of temperature and salinity for the zoeae to develop. Zoeae were reared in 16 Temperature-Salinity combinations (T-S) using four levels of temperature - 10, 15, 20 and 25ºC - and four levels of salinity - 20, 25, 30 and 35 ppt. -. Complete development upto megalopa stage occurred in all T-S combinations employed, thereby indicating a wide tolerance of zoeae to temperature and salinity. Highest zoeal survivals were recorded at the lowest experimental temperature of 10 ºC and the higher experimental salinities of 30 and 35 ppt. Zoeal mortalities did not exceed 50 % in any of the T-S combinations except 10 ºC -20 ppt. salinity. Developmental duration of different zoeal stages was longer at lower temperatures, particularly 10 ºC. Variations in salinity did not affect zoeal developmental duration. The ecological aspects of the responses of the zoeae to combined effects of temperature and salinity are discussed in detail.

Keywords: Temperature and sallinity, zoeal development, Carcinus maenas.
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