Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Haemolymph pH, clotting time and cation (Na, K, Ca & Mg) status of Indian white prawn, Penaeus indicus during mud bank formation

Volume 45 Issue 2

S. Jayasree and G. S. Selvam

Abstract

Haemolymph pH, clotting time and cation (Na, K, Ca & Mg) contents were measured in Indian white prawn, Peneus indicus H. Milne Edwards during mud bank formation and compared with prawns collected simultaneously from non-mud bank area. During mud bank formation, haemolymph recorded higher levels of cations (Na, K, Ca & Mg), lesser clotting time and constant pH values. Significantly higher concenkation of cation sum was observed (P <0.05) during mud bank formation. High sodium and low magnesium index was noticed in both the samples with the following sequence of cations - Na+ > K+> Ca2+> Mg2+F. aster clotting rate of 6.02 min. was typical of stress condition created during mud bank formation. Significant change in cation and clotting time observed during mud bank indicated the physiological, biochemical and immunological changes undergone by prawns to cope with the surrounding environment. Alterations in cations can be used to study the adaptations of species to the environment and haemolymph-clotting time could be a useful indicator of stress.

Date : 30-12-2003