Hemolymph osmo-ionic concentrations in terrestrial crabs following desiccation

Maria do Carmo Fernandes Santos, Cláudia B.R. Martinez, Sylvia O. Suadicani, Eliana S. Lobo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

6 Scopus citations


1. 1. The hemolymph osmotic, Na+ K+, Ca++ and Mg++ concentrations were determined for both sexes in crabs from mangrove Ucides cordatus and Goniopsis cruentata and supralittoral Ocypode quadrala after aerial desiccation, for 10 hr. 2. 2. There was no difference between sexes in the two mangrove crabs, but in O. quadrata the females were the most significantly affected (P < 0.01). 3. 3. Hemolymph osmotic Na+, Ca++ and Mg++ concentrations increased significantly in desiccated ghost crabs, while K + concentration was not significantly changed. In the two mangrove crabs, only hemolymph Ca++ concentration increased significantly, after desiccation. 4. 4. The short time desiccation is suggested to be a device to study the steps of osmo-ionic regulation in terrestrial crabs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)83-87
Number of pages5
JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology -- Part A: Physiology
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1987
Externally publishedYes


ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology

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