Salt and Water Balance of the Spiny Lobster Panulirus Argus: The Role of the Gut
1. The rate of drinking of sea water averaged 1.5 ± 0.6 ml/kg body weight per 24 h and accounts for only a minor portion of the uptake of water required to balance estimated urine production. 2. Imbibed water and ions, except Ca2+, are absorbed or diffuse across the gut wall into the haemolymph. The gut appears to be a route of net loss of Ca2+, derived from digestive juice and sea water, from the body. 3. The gut does not appear to be a site of regulation of ionic levels in the haemolymph or a major site of water uptake. Note: Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N6.
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