HEMOLYMPH PROTEIN AND COPPER CONCENTRATIONS OF ADULT BLUE CRABS (CALLINECTES SAPIDUS RATHBUN)

Abstract
Width, length and the concentrations of hemolymph protein (P) and copper (Cu) were determined individually for 333 adult blue crabs. Of these, 160 were adult females, 98 adult males and 75 females in sponge. In the same width-class males tend to be longer than females. Wide individual variation in serum P and Cu concentrations was found. There was no correlation between specimen size and mean serum P or Cu concentrations. Mean serum P and Cu concentrations of males were lower by a significant difference than those for all females; sponge females exhibited correspondingly higher mean serum P and Cu concentrations than adult females without sponge. The mean Cu/P ratios of adult male and female crab hemolymph were essentially identical and higher by a significant difference than that value for the hemolymph from sponge females. Crabs bled at regular intervals exhibited a decrease in mean serum P levels and an increment in the mean Cu/P ratios.

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