Hemolymph acid-base balance, oxyhemocyanin, and protein levels of Macrobrachium rosenbergii at different concentrations of dissolved oxygen

Abstract

Macrobrachium rosenbergii (31 +/- 2 g) were held individually in DO (dissolved oxygen) at 8.47, 6.65, 4.55, and 3.38 mg/l for 8 days at 25 degrees C. The hemolymph acid-base balance and hemolymph protein levels were then measured. Hemolymph pH and PO2 levels changed directly with DO, whereas hemolymph PCO2, oxyhemocyanin, and protein levels were negatively related to DO. In M. rosenbergii, exposure to DO concentration at 3.38 mg/l for as long as 8 days may lead to an increase in oxygen-carrying capacity under long-term hypoxia.