Adaptations of two intertidal isopods I. Respiration and feeding in Naesa bidentata (Adams) (Sphaeromatidae)

Abstract

In freshly collected Naesa bidentata there exists a clear dependence of respiration rate, measured in sea water, on the tidal cycle, with the maximum occurring at high tide, the minimum at low tide. In specimens that had spent 1–2 days in the laboratory the tidal rhythmicity is less pronounced due to a lowering of the Qo2-values at high tide and at the beginning of experiments. This is interpreted as reflecting differences in nutrition between freshly collected and laboratory specimens.