The Metabolism of Marsh Crabs under Conditions of Reduced Oxygen Pressure

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Abstract
The marsh crabs Uca pugnax, U. pugilator, and Sesarma cinereum are capable of maintaining respiration independent of the oxygen content of their environment. Below a critical oxygen pressure, 1.5% of an atmosphere in air and 6-8% of an atmosphere in water, the respiratory rate decreases sharply. At this point there is a sharp increase in the respiratory quotient, indicating the release of carbon dioxide from carbonates by the action of metabolic acids. In U. pugnax, the only significant fermentation product formed is lactic acid. Measurement of lactic acid production and of oxygen debt in this species agree in showing a metabolism during anoxia of about 1/4 the aerobic rate.