1. Panulirus argus in full sea water differs from most other marine isosmotic decapods by regulating Cl− levels in the haemolymph slightly below those in sea water and by having haemolymph K+ levels similar to those in sea water. The species is typical in regulating haemolymph Na+ and Ca2+ above, and Mg2+ and SO42- below, sea-water levels of these ions. Its haemolymph Mg2+ and SO42- concentrations are amongst the lowest reported in marine decapods. 2. The antennal glands contribute to this regulation of Mg2+ SO42- and Cl− by producing urine with markedly, and approximately equally, elevated Mg2+ and SO42- levels, and slightly elevated Cl− levels, compared with those in the haemolymph. The antennal glands show a small tendency to conserve water.
Note:
Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N6.
