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Change in the gross biochemistry and mineral content accompanying the moult cycle in the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba

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Abstract

Concentrations of water, ash, protein, chitin, lipid, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, strontium and copper were measured in individuals from a laboratory population of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba Dana, over the course of a moult cycle. Significant changes in all variables were encountered. Total ash, lipid, calcium, magnesium and strontium all increased in concentration following moulting. Water, protein and copper concentrations all decreased following ecdysis and increased again towards the end of the moult cycle. The major ions sodium and potassium fluctuated around mean levels. Cast moults of E. superba were shown to be a drain on the ionic load of the krill, and the losses inherent in exuviation could account for much of the variation observed during the moult cycle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, 7050, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia

    S. Nicol & M. Stolp

  2. Australian Government Analytical Laboratories, Channel Highway, 7050, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia

    O. Nordstrom

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  1. S. Nicol
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  2. M. Stolp
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  3. O. Nordstrom
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Communicated by G. F. Humphrey, Sydney

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Nicol, S., Stolp, M. & Nordstrom, O. Change in the gross biochemistry and mineral content accompanying the moult cycle in the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba . Marine Biology 113, 201–209 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347272

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