Carbon and Nitrogen Content of Fresh and Preserved Nematoscelis dijficilis, a Euphausiid Crustacean

Abstract

The carbon and nitrogen content of fresh and preserved specimens of the euphausiid Nematoscelis difficilis was investigated. Carbon loss from euphausiids, stored 15 weeks in buffered 10% freshwater formalin, buffered 10% seawater formalin, and 70%ethanol was 17·23%. Total loss of organic matter from euphausiids preserved in seawater formalin was 12·2% of fresh dry weight with carbon constituting 60% of this loss. Nitrogen losses from Nemaloscelis preserved in seawater formalin and 70% ethanol were estimated at 19·2–21·0%. Loss of nitrogen from animals preserved in freshwater formalin was 29·7%. Percentages of carbon and nitrogen lost from preserved Nematoscelis were similar and it is suggested that most of the organic compounds lost were proteinaceous.