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Papers by Monika Normant

Research paper thumbnail of Energy accumulation in the carapace, tissue and limbs of Saduria (Mesidotea) entomon from the Gulf of Gdansk

Research paper thumbnail of The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis - An immigrant from Asia in the Gulf of Gdańsk

OCEANOLOGIA

The present paper reports the occurrence of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne E... more The present paper reports the occurrence of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1854 in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Gdansk, and attempts an initial characterization of the crabs occurring in this area.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic rate and activity of blue musselMytilus edulis trossulusunder short-term exposure to carbon dioxide-induced water acidification and oxygen deficiency

Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 2014

ABSTRACT This work investigated the effect of carbon dioxide-induced decreased water pH (8.1 – co... more ABSTRACT This work investigated the effect of carbon dioxide-induced decreased water pH (8.1 – control, 7.5 and 7.0), oxygen saturation (~100% and ~20%) and the combination of both factors on the behaviour (gaping activity) and the total metabolic rate of blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus from the southern Baltic Sea. Heat dissipation measurements were carried out in a Calvet-type isothermal twin calorimeter equipped with a flow-through system. The resting metabolic rate was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by pH or oxygen saturation. Neither was there significant (p > 0.05) effect of the interaction of both factors on this process. The high inter-individual variability in behaviour affected the value of maximal recorded activity and duration of activity peaks connected with shell gaping behaviour. In some mussels, they were short and appeared periodically, and other individuals were inactive or exhibited temporal activity terms of different duration. The lowered oxygen saturation significantly (p p > 0.05) of lowered pH on this parameter, which indicates that oxygen deficiency may affect the Baltic population of M. edulis trossulus more seriously than acidification.

Research paper thumbnail of The highly invasive Chinese mitten crabEriocheir sinensisin the Tagus Estuary, Portugal: morphology of the specimens 20 years after the first captures

Annales de Limnologie - International Journal of Limnology, 2014

Eriocheir sinensis is an invasive species that spread in European waters as the result of human a... more Eriocheir sinensis is an invasive species that spread in European waters as the result of human activity. The captures from the Portuguese population took place in September 2013 in the Tagus Estuary and were dominated by the medium-sized individuals at the beginning of their reproducing cycle (n = 192).

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis on blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus – laboratory studies of claw strength, handling behavior, consumption rate, and size selective predation

Oceanologia, 2015

We examined the claw strength, handling behavior, consumption rate, and size selective predation ... more We examined the claw strength, handling behavior, consumption rate, and size selective predation of the invasive Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis feeding on native Baltic Sea blue mussels Mytilus edulis trossulus during 24 h laboratory experiments. Single starved crabs were offered 15 mussels (five mussels in three length classes) at a time. The total number of mussels consumed by a single crab increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the experimental time from 1.7 AE 0.7 # mussels crab À1 h À1 after 4 h to 0.2 AE 0.7 # mussels crab À1 h À1 after 24 h. The highest consumption rate was observed within the first 4 h, and it decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during the experiment. This was most likely due to the crabs being starved before the start of the experiment. E. sinensis can also harm blue mussel shells by crushing them without further consumption. The mean daily damage, and not consumption, by a single crab was 0.9 AE 1.4 of 11-40 mm mussels. The claw strength of E. sinensis ranged from 1.50 to 20.43 N (mean 8.51 AE 5.93 N) and was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with sex and both claw size and carapace size. The study showed that E. sinensis may be able to impact the native M. edulis trossulus population Peer review under the responsibility of Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Research paper thumbnail of Preface to ISBC XIV Proceedings Special Issue

Thermochimica Acta, 2007

The fourteenth conference of the International Society for Biological Calorimetry, which was bapt... more The fourteenth conference of the International Society for Biological Calorimetry, which was baptized "The Amber ISBC," took place in the Tri-City Agglomeration of Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia with its nearly one million inhabitants from 2 to 6 June 2006. This was the most easterly point in Europe ever visited by ISBC. However, the nickname "The Amber ISBC" focused the location to Gdansk, which is indeed known to be the world amber capital, but it was actually organized to be in the neighbouring coastal Sopot under the Honorable Auspices of Mr. Jacek Karnowski-the President of this small and very lovely city. Participants were welcomed by the Vice-President of Gdańsk University, Professor Anna Szaniawska who had a double interest in the conference both as an Officer of the host Institution and as a practitioner of calorimetry as a tool in studies of marine organisms. The opening lecture on "The Baltic Amber" was linked to the conference name and given by Dr. Elżbieta Sontag from the Museum of Amber Inclusions at the Gdańsk University, who also represented the International Amber Association at our gathering. In further reverence to this magic stone, the last conference talk presented by Professor Ingolf Lamprecht was dedicated to it, but from the direction of its thermal properties. Despite the rather small number of participants in comparison to most previous conferences, the XIVth ISBC Scientific Program was exciting and diverse, covering a broad range of topics, from new technological achievements and bioenergetic findings through recent biological studies on plants and smaller animals to clinical applications. Around 60 participants representing various institutions and 15 different countries presented 37 talks and 33 posters in the course of 10 different thematic sessions.

Research paper thumbnail of Energy value and chemical composition (CHN) of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis (Decapoda: Grapsidae) from the Baltic Sea

Thermochimica Acta, 2002

... 17 1/2 (1970), p. 183. 20. JW Wacasey and EG Atkinson Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 39 (1987), p. 243... more ... 17 1/2 (1970), p. 183. 20. JW Wacasey and EG Atkinson Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 39 (1987), p. 243. Full Text via CrossRef. 21. K. Salonen, J. Sarvala, I. Hakala and M.-L. Viljanem Limnol. Oceanogr. 21 5 (1976), p. 724. 22. K. Anger Invertebrate Reprod. Dev. 33 2–3 (1998), p. 159. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Heat production rate of the Baltic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus at varying salinities

Thermochimica Acta, 2004

The heat production rate of Gammarus oceanicus, a species of marine origin living in the brackish... more The heat production rate of Gammarus oceanicus, a species of marine origin living in the brackish waters (7 psu (practical salinity units)), was examined by direct calorimetry after acclimation to salinities of 5, 7, 14, 20 and 30 psu (at 10 • C). The mean heat dissipation was greatest at 5 psu with 5.64 ± 1.60 J h −1 g −1 ww (wet weight) and decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing salinity down to 2.26 ± 1.14 J h −1 g −1 ww at 30 psu. The high inter-individual variability was of significance for the obtained results. When salinity dropped by only 2 psu from the control (7 psu) the mean heat production rate raised by 18%. A salinity increase from 7 to 30 psu caused a reduction in the average metabolic rate of G. oceanicus by 53%. That means that G. oceanicus requires more energy for osmotic adjustment at lower salinities.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct calorimetric studies on the metabolic rate of Gammarus oceanicus from the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea

Thermochimica Acta, 2004

Heat production rates of the benthic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus from the brackish waters of the ... more Heat production rates of the benthic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus from the brackish waters of the Gulf of Gdansk were measured by means of direct calorimetry at their usual ambient ("habitat") salinity (7‰) and 10 • C. Animals exhibited locomotor activity during the measurements, so that the total metabolic rate was the sum of both resting and active metabolism. The mean specific metabolic rate amounted to 1.57 ± 0.61 mW g −1 wet weight (ww) (n = 73, average wet weight 67.2 ± 34.0 mg). Smallest animals with a mean wet weight of 24.5 ± 3.4 mg exhibited the highest specific metabolic rates with 2.24 ± 0.57 mW g −1 ww (n = 10), whereas the largest ones with wet weights of 117.7 ± 19.4 mg showed the lowest values with 1.10 ± 0.32 mW g −1 ww (n = 15). There was a significant negative correlation (R 2 = 0.49, P < 0.05) between the specific metabolic rate of G. oceanicus and its wet weight. The metabolic rate of females was higher by 29% (P < 0.05) than that of males of the same length due to the differences in wet weight.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic investigations of aquatic organisms with a new twin heat conduction calorimeter

Thermochimica Acta, 2007

A twin heat conduction calorimeter is presented that was specially developed as a modular design ... more A twin heat conduction calorimeter is presented that was specially developed as a modular design to allow for easy adaptation to changing experimental conditions. The instrument was built at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Poland for metabolic investigations and locomotor monitoring of aquatic organisms under different environmental conditions (e.g., salinity, temperature, oxygen tension, and pollutants) as well as physiological ones (age, sex, pregnancy, and adaptation to changing external parameters). This calorimeter has flatter and broader 24-ml vessels (height 50 mm and diameter 28 mm) than usual instruments to allow larger aquatic invertebrates to swim around during the experiment. The sensitivity is 99.1 V mW −1 , and the time constant is 217 s with 15 ml water and 146 s without water in the vessels. Construction details are presented in this paper and the first results are given for three aquatic crustaceans of different taxonomic groups: the isopod Idotea chelipes, the amphipod Gammarus tigrinus and the decapod Rhithropanopeus harrisii.

Research paper thumbnail of Feeding ecology of the American crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Crustacea, Decapoda) in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea

OCEANOLOGIA, 2009

The feeding ecology of the American crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from brackish water... more The feeding ecology of the American crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from brackish waters of the Baltic Sea was studied by analyses of the stomach repletion index (SRI) and stomach content with regard to sex, size and habitat (Dead Vistula River and the Gulf of Gdańsk). Neither the sex nor the size of an individual crab had a significant (P > 0.05) influence on the SRI or on the diversity of food items found in the stomachs of R. harrisii. But the type of food consumed was significantly (P < 0.05) dependent on the locality inhabited: the greater the biodiversity of the habitat, the richer the dietary composition. In Baltic coastal waters this species feeds on detritus, and also on animal and plant matter. Remains of Chlorophyta, Amphipoda, Ostracoda, Polychaeta, Gastropoda and Bivalvia were found in the stomachs of the specimens analysed.

Research paper thumbnail of Epibiotic mites associated with the invasive Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis – new records of Halacaridae from Poland

Oceanologia, 2013

Seven epibiotic halacarid mites (Caspihalacarus hyrcanus, two species of Copidognathus, Halacarel... more Seven epibiotic halacarid mites (Caspihalacarus hyrcanus, two species of Copidognathus, Halacarellus petiti, Porohalacarus alpinus, Soldanellonyx monardi and S. chappuisi), two oribatid mites (Hydrozetes lacustris and Trhypochthoniellus longisetus) and one water mite (Piona pusilla) were found on the setae-covered claws of eighteen Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) collected from fresh and brackish waters in Poland and Germany. The most abundant of the 111 mite individuals recorded was one of the Copidognathus species (N = 52); this was followed by H. petiti (N = 38) and C. hyrcanus (N = 13). This is the first record of H. petiti and of the genus Copidognathus from Polish waters. The possibility of migrating over long distances assisted by catadromous mitten crabs enhances mite dispersal, as well as their introduction to new environments.

Research paper thumbnail of Non-native crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1984) – a new component of the benthic communities in the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea)**This research was funded by the Polish National Science Centre, grant No. 3016/B/PO1/2011/40

Oceanologia, 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, spatial distribution and abundance pattern... more The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, spatial distribution and abundance pattern of the Harris mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii in the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea). Between 2006 and 2010, this species was found at 69 out of 129 sampling stations, at depths from 0 to 20 m. Two main aggregations of the Harris mud crab were established: (1) in Puck Bay (max. density 19 indiv. 100 m −2) and (2) in the Gdynia and Sopot area (max. density 5 indiv. 100 m −2). 920 specimens were collected during the whole sampling period: 150 juveniles, 370 females and 400 males. The minimum measured carapace width was 1.96 mm, the maximum 21.40 mm (mean 9.03 ± 4.11 mm).

Research paper thumbnail of Heat production in Saduria entomon (Isopoda) from the Gulf of Gdańsk during an experimental exposure to anoxic conditions

Marine Biology, 1998

The benthic crustacean Saduria entomon occurs frequently in deeper parts of the Gulf of Gdan sk.... more The benthic crustacean Saduria entomon occurs frequently in deeper parts of the Gulf of Gdan sk. It is one of a few species able to survive oxygen de®ciencies in its natural environment. The anaerobic heat production of S. entomon during 40 h of anoxia was determined. Additionally, the eects of size, sex and activity of the organism on its heat production were investigated. Average heat production of S. entomon was 0.25 0.16 mJ g A1 wet wt s A1 (n 55, avg. length 39 6 mm). The amount of heat produced decreased with increasing body size. The heat production of S. entomon males was greater than that of females (p`0X05). Specimens kept in chambers with glass beads and water were less active and had lower metabolic rates than those placed in chambers containing water only (more active). During 40 h of anoxia S. entomon gradually decreased its heat production to 5±16% of aerobic level, demonstrating the high adaptation of this species to changeable oxygen conditions in the Baltic Sea.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of temperature on the physiology and bioenergetics of adults of the Chinese mitten crabEriocheir sinensis: considerations for a species invading cooler waters

Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 2011

... The potential distribution of Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis in selected waters of ... more ... The potential distribution of Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis in selected waters of the Western United States with US Bureau of reclamation facilities. Tracy Fish Collection Facilities Stud , 21: 1–61. ... 20061. Allan, EL, Froneman, PW and Hodgson, AN. 2006. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Behaviour, survival and glycogen utilisation in the baltic isopod Saduria entomon exposed to long‐term oxygen depletion

Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 2000

The benthic isopod Saduria entomon was exposed to different oxygen saturations (92, 6, and < 1... more The benthic isopod Saduria entomon was exposed to different oxygen saturations (92, 6, and < 1%, T = 8°C). The behaviour of S. entomon under hypoxia and anoxia differs from that observed under normoxia. During the first few hours under low oxygen conditions animals became more active. After that time they lay motionless on the sediment surface. A few of them were partially buried. When oxygenation decreased, the percentage of individuals that emerged from the sediment rapidly increased. It was four and seven times higher under hypoxia and anoxia, respectively. S. entomon is able to survive long periods (41 days) under severe hypoxia, whereas the LT50 under anoxia varied between 12 and 18 days according to animal size. The glycogen content, which is the essential substrate for anaerobic metabolism of this species, decreased after 41 days under anoxia down to 48% of the normoxic level.

Research paper thumbnail of Salinity induced changes in haemolymph osmolality and total metabolic rate of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from Baltic coastal waters

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2008

The specific metabolic rate (SMR) and haemolymph osmolality (HO) of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus ... more The specific metabolic rate (SMR) and haemolymph osmolality (HO) of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from Baltic brackish waters were measured at a habitat salinity of 7 psu (T = 15°C, full air saturation) and after step-wise acclimation to a salinity range of 3-27 psu. Values of SMR at 7 psu varied between 0.40 and 3.89 J g − 1 WW h − 1 (n = 25, wet weight range 0.051-1.142 g) and were significantly (p b 0.05) related to the specimen's wet weight (WW) according to the power regression SMR = 0.94 WW − 0.41 (R 2 = 0.68). The SMR of females did not differ significantly (p N 0.05) from those of males. When exposed to higher salinities, the SMR of R. harrisii decreased significantly (p b 0.05) and reached a minimum value at 23 psu (0.55 ± 0.05 J g − 1 WW h − 1 , n = 6). Mean haemolymph osmolality at 7 psu amounted to 581 ± 26 mOsm kg − 1 (n = 5) and was 2.9 times higher than that of the external medium. R. harrisii hyperosmoregulated its body fluids up to 24 psu (727 mOsm kg − 1) at which salinity the isosmotic point was reached.

Research paper thumbnail of Does scope for growth change as a result of salinity stress in the amphipod Gammarus oceanicus?

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2006

Physiological performance (feeding, metabolism, growth and excretion) across a broad range of sal... more Physiological performance (feeding, metabolism, growth and excretion) across a broad range of salinity (5–30psu) were determined for the benthic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus, a species of marine origin inhabiting brackish waters of the southern Baltic Sea. Feeding rates decreased with increasing salinity, whereas the nutritive absorption efficiency increased. Faeces production and ammonia excretion rates decreased strongly from the lowest to the

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of salinity on the physiology and bioenergetics of adult Chinese mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2012

... Monika Normant Corresponding author contact information , E-mail the corresponding author ,; ... more ... Monika Normant Corresponding author contact information , E-mail the corresponding author ,; Marta Kr??l,; Magdalena Jakubowska. Department of Experimental Ecology of Marine Organisms, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gda??sk, Al. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis (Decapoda: Grapsidae) from Polish waters

Oceanologia, 2000

Abstract: The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis Milne-Edwards, 1854 is a newcomer to the Bal... more Abstract: The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis Milne-Edwards, 1854 is a newcomer to the Baltic Sea. Previous studies have shown that since the 1940s single large specimens of this species have been caught annually in Polish waters. The invasion of the Chinese ...

Research paper thumbnail of Energy accumulation in the carapace, tissue and limbs of Saduria (Mesidotea) entomon from the Gulf of Gdansk

Research paper thumbnail of The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis - An immigrant from Asia in the Gulf of Gdańsk

OCEANOLOGIA

The present paper reports the occurrence of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne E... more The present paper reports the occurrence of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1854 in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Gdansk, and attempts an initial characterization of the crabs occurring in this area.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic rate and activity of blue musselMytilus edulis trossulusunder short-term exposure to carbon dioxide-induced water acidification and oxygen deficiency

Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 2014

ABSTRACT This work investigated the effect of carbon dioxide-induced decreased water pH (8.1 – co... more ABSTRACT This work investigated the effect of carbon dioxide-induced decreased water pH (8.1 – control, 7.5 and 7.0), oxygen saturation (~100% and ~20%) and the combination of both factors on the behaviour (gaping activity) and the total metabolic rate of blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus from the southern Baltic Sea. Heat dissipation measurements were carried out in a Calvet-type isothermal twin calorimeter equipped with a flow-through system. The resting metabolic rate was not significantly (p &gt; 0.05) affected by pH or oxygen saturation. Neither was there significant (p &gt; 0.05) effect of the interaction of both factors on this process. The high inter-individual variability in behaviour affected the value of maximal recorded activity and duration of activity peaks connected with shell gaping behaviour. In some mussels, they were short and appeared periodically, and other individuals were inactive or exhibited temporal activity terms of different duration. The lowered oxygen saturation significantly (p p &gt; 0.05) of lowered pH on this parameter, which indicates that oxygen deficiency may affect the Baltic population of M. edulis trossulus more seriously than acidification.

Research paper thumbnail of The highly invasive Chinese mitten crabEriocheir sinensisin the Tagus Estuary, Portugal: morphology of the specimens 20 years after the first captures

Annales de Limnologie - International Journal of Limnology, 2014

Eriocheir sinensis is an invasive species that spread in European waters as the result of human a... more Eriocheir sinensis is an invasive species that spread in European waters as the result of human activity. The captures from the Portuguese population took place in September 2013 in the Tagus Estuary and were dominated by the medium-sized individuals at the beginning of their reproducing cycle (n = 192).

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis on blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus – laboratory studies of claw strength, handling behavior, consumption rate, and size selective predation

Oceanologia, 2015

We examined the claw strength, handling behavior, consumption rate, and size selective predation ... more We examined the claw strength, handling behavior, consumption rate, and size selective predation of the invasive Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis feeding on native Baltic Sea blue mussels Mytilus edulis trossulus during 24 h laboratory experiments. Single starved crabs were offered 15 mussels (five mussels in three length classes) at a time. The total number of mussels consumed by a single crab increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the experimental time from 1.7 AE 0.7 # mussels crab À1 h À1 after 4 h to 0.2 AE 0.7 # mussels crab À1 h À1 after 24 h. The highest consumption rate was observed within the first 4 h, and it decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during the experiment. This was most likely due to the crabs being starved before the start of the experiment. E. sinensis can also harm blue mussel shells by crushing them without further consumption. The mean daily damage, and not consumption, by a single crab was 0.9 AE 1.4 of 11-40 mm mussels. The claw strength of E. sinensis ranged from 1.50 to 20.43 N (mean 8.51 AE 5.93 N) and was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with sex and both claw size and carapace size. The study showed that E. sinensis may be able to impact the native M. edulis trossulus population Peer review under the responsibility of Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Research paper thumbnail of Preface to ISBC XIV Proceedings Special Issue

Thermochimica Acta, 2007

The fourteenth conference of the International Society for Biological Calorimetry, which was bapt... more The fourteenth conference of the International Society for Biological Calorimetry, which was baptized "The Amber ISBC," took place in the Tri-City Agglomeration of Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia with its nearly one million inhabitants from 2 to 6 June 2006. This was the most easterly point in Europe ever visited by ISBC. However, the nickname "The Amber ISBC" focused the location to Gdansk, which is indeed known to be the world amber capital, but it was actually organized to be in the neighbouring coastal Sopot under the Honorable Auspices of Mr. Jacek Karnowski-the President of this small and very lovely city. Participants were welcomed by the Vice-President of Gdańsk University, Professor Anna Szaniawska who had a double interest in the conference both as an Officer of the host Institution and as a practitioner of calorimetry as a tool in studies of marine organisms. The opening lecture on "The Baltic Amber" was linked to the conference name and given by Dr. Elżbieta Sontag from the Museum of Amber Inclusions at the Gdańsk University, who also represented the International Amber Association at our gathering. In further reverence to this magic stone, the last conference talk presented by Professor Ingolf Lamprecht was dedicated to it, but from the direction of its thermal properties. Despite the rather small number of participants in comparison to most previous conferences, the XIVth ISBC Scientific Program was exciting and diverse, covering a broad range of topics, from new technological achievements and bioenergetic findings through recent biological studies on plants and smaller animals to clinical applications. Around 60 participants representing various institutions and 15 different countries presented 37 talks and 33 posters in the course of 10 different thematic sessions.

Research paper thumbnail of Energy value and chemical composition (CHN) of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis (Decapoda: Grapsidae) from the Baltic Sea

Thermochimica Acta, 2002

... 17 1/2 (1970), p. 183. 20. JW Wacasey and EG Atkinson Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 39 (1987), p. 243... more ... 17 1/2 (1970), p. 183. 20. JW Wacasey and EG Atkinson Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 39 (1987), p. 243. Full Text via CrossRef. 21. K. Salonen, J. Sarvala, I. Hakala and M.-L. Viljanem Limnol. Oceanogr. 21 5 (1976), p. 724. 22. K. Anger Invertebrate Reprod. Dev. 33 2–3 (1998), p. 159. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Heat production rate of the Baltic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus at varying salinities

Thermochimica Acta, 2004

The heat production rate of Gammarus oceanicus, a species of marine origin living in the brackish... more The heat production rate of Gammarus oceanicus, a species of marine origin living in the brackish waters (7 psu (practical salinity units)), was examined by direct calorimetry after acclimation to salinities of 5, 7, 14, 20 and 30 psu (at 10 • C). The mean heat dissipation was greatest at 5 psu with 5.64 ± 1.60 J h −1 g −1 ww (wet weight) and decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing salinity down to 2.26 ± 1.14 J h −1 g −1 ww at 30 psu. The high inter-individual variability was of significance for the obtained results. When salinity dropped by only 2 psu from the control (7 psu) the mean heat production rate raised by 18%. A salinity increase from 7 to 30 psu caused a reduction in the average metabolic rate of G. oceanicus by 53%. That means that G. oceanicus requires more energy for osmotic adjustment at lower salinities.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct calorimetric studies on the metabolic rate of Gammarus oceanicus from the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea

Thermochimica Acta, 2004

Heat production rates of the benthic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus from the brackish waters of the ... more Heat production rates of the benthic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus from the brackish waters of the Gulf of Gdansk were measured by means of direct calorimetry at their usual ambient ("habitat") salinity (7‰) and 10 • C. Animals exhibited locomotor activity during the measurements, so that the total metabolic rate was the sum of both resting and active metabolism. The mean specific metabolic rate amounted to 1.57 ± 0.61 mW g −1 wet weight (ww) (n = 73, average wet weight 67.2 ± 34.0 mg). Smallest animals with a mean wet weight of 24.5 ± 3.4 mg exhibited the highest specific metabolic rates with 2.24 ± 0.57 mW g −1 ww (n = 10), whereas the largest ones with wet weights of 117.7 ± 19.4 mg showed the lowest values with 1.10 ± 0.32 mW g −1 ww (n = 15). There was a significant negative correlation (R 2 = 0.49, P < 0.05) between the specific metabolic rate of G. oceanicus and its wet weight. The metabolic rate of females was higher by 29% (P < 0.05) than that of males of the same length due to the differences in wet weight.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic investigations of aquatic organisms with a new twin heat conduction calorimeter

Thermochimica Acta, 2007

A twin heat conduction calorimeter is presented that was specially developed as a modular design ... more A twin heat conduction calorimeter is presented that was specially developed as a modular design to allow for easy adaptation to changing experimental conditions. The instrument was built at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Poland for metabolic investigations and locomotor monitoring of aquatic organisms under different environmental conditions (e.g., salinity, temperature, oxygen tension, and pollutants) as well as physiological ones (age, sex, pregnancy, and adaptation to changing external parameters). This calorimeter has flatter and broader 24-ml vessels (height 50 mm and diameter 28 mm) than usual instruments to allow larger aquatic invertebrates to swim around during the experiment. The sensitivity is 99.1 V mW −1 , and the time constant is 217 s with 15 ml water and 146 s without water in the vessels. Construction details are presented in this paper and the first results are given for three aquatic crustaceans of different taxonomic groups: the isopod Idotea chelipes, the amphipod Gammarus tigrinus and the decapod Rhithropanopeus harrisii.

Research paper thumbnail of Feeding ecology of the American crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Crustacea, Decapoda) in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea

OCEANOLOGIA, 2009

The feeding ecology of the American crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from brackish water... more The feeding ecology of the American crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from brackish waters of the Baltic Sea was studied by analyses of the stomach repletion index (SRI) and stomach content with regard to sex, size and habitat (Dead Vistula River and the Gulf of Gdańsk). Neither the sex nor the size of an individual crab had a significant (P > 0.05) influence on the SRI or on the diversity of food items found in the stomachs of R. harrisii. But the type of food consumed was significantly (P < 0.05) dependent on the locality inhabited: the greater the biodiversity of the habitat, the richer the dietary composition. In Baltic coastal waters this species feeds on detritus, and also on animal and plant matter. Remains of Chlorophyta, Amphipoda, Ostracoda, Polychaeta, Gastropoda and Bivalvia were found in the stomachs of the specimens analysed.

Research paper thumbnail of Epibiotic mites associated with the invasive Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis – new records of Halacaridae from Poland

Oceanologia, 2013

Seven epibiotic halacarid mites (Caspihalacarus hyrcanus, two species of Copidognathus, Halacarel... more Seven epibiotic halacarid mites (Caspihalacarus hyrcanus, two species of Copidognathus, Halacarellus petiti, Porohalacarus alpinus, Soldanellonyx monardi and S. chappuisi), two oribatid mites (Hydrozetes lacustris and Trhypochthoniellus longisetus) and one water mite (Piona pusilla) were found on the setae-covered claws of eighteen Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) collected from fresh and brackish waters in Poland and Germany. The most abundant of the 111 mite individuals recorded was one of the Copidognathus species (N = 52); this was followed by H. petiti (N = 38) and C. hyrcanus (N = 13). This is the first record of H. petiti and of the genus Copidognathus from Polish waters. The possibility of migrating over long distances assisted by catadromous mitten crabs enhances mite dispersal, as well as their introduction to new environments.

Research paper thumbnail of Non-native crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1984) – a new component of the benthic communities in the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea)**This research was funded by the Polish National Science Centre, grant No. 3016/B/PO1/2011/40

Oceanologia, 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, spatial distribution and abundance pattern... more The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, spatial distribution and abundance pattern of the Harris mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii in the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea). Between 2006 and 2010, this species was found at 69 out of 129 sampling stations, at depths from 0 to 20 m. Two main aggregations of the Harris mud crab were established: (1) in Puck Bay (max. density 19 indiv. 100 m −2) and (2) in the Gdynia and Sopot area (max. density 5 indiv. 100 m −2). 920 specimens were collected during the whole sampling period: 150 juveniles, 370 females and 400 males. The minimum measured carapace width was 1.96 mm, the maximum 21.40 mm (mean 9.03 ± 4.11 mm).

Research paper thumbnail of Heat production in Saduria entomon (Isopoda) from the Gulf of Gdańsk during an experimental exposure to anoxic conditions

Marine Biology, 1998

The benthic crustacean Saduria entomon occurs frequently in deeper parts of the Gulf of Gdan sk.... more The benthic crustacean Saduria entomon occurs frequently in deeper parts of the Gulf of Gdan sk. It is one of a few species able to survive oxygen de®ciencies in its natural environment. The anaerobic heat production of S. entomon during 40 h of anoxia was determined. Additionally, the eects of size, sex and activity of the organism on its heat production were investigated. Average heat production of S. entomon was 0.25 0.16 mJ g A1 wet wt s A1 (n 55, avg. length 39 6 mm). The amount of heat produced decreased with increasing body size. The heat production of S. entomon males was greater than that of females (p`0X05). Specimens kept in chambers with glass beads and water were less active and had lower metabolic rates than those placed in chambers containing water only (more active). During 40 h of anoxia S. entomon gradually decreased its heat production to 5±16% of aerobic level, demonstrating the high adaptation of this species to changeable oxygen conditions in the Baltic Sea.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of temperature on the physiology and bioenergetics of adults of the Chinese mitten crabEriocheir sinensis: considerations for a species invading cooler waters

Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 2011

... The potential distribution of Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis in selected waters of ... more ... The potential distribution of Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis in selected waters of the Western United States with US Bureau of reclamation facilities. Tracy Fish Collection Facilities Stud , 21: 1–61. ... 20061. Allan, EL, Froneman, PW and Hodgson, AN. 2006. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Behaviour, survival and glycogen utilisation in the baltic isopod Saduria entomon exposed to long‐term oxygen depletion

Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 2000

The benthic isopod Saduria entomon was exposed to different oxygen saturations (92, 6, and < 1... more The benthic isopod Saduria entomon was exposed to different oxygen saturations (92, 6, and < 1%, T = 8°C). The behaviour of S. entomon under hypoxia and anoxia differs from that observed under normoxia. During the first few hours under low oxygen conditions animals became more active. After that time they lay motionless on the sediment surface. A few of them were partially buried. When oxygenation decreased, the percentage of individuals that emerged from the sediment rapidly increased. It was four and seven times higher under hypoxia and anoxia, respectively. S. entomon is able to survive long periods (41 days) under severe hypoxia, whereas the LT50 under anoxia varied between 12 and 18 days according to animal size. The glycogen content, which is the essential substrate for anaerobic metabolism of this species, decreased after 41 days under anoxia down to 48% of the normoxic level.

Research paper thumbnail of Salinity induced changes in haemolymph osmolality and total metabolic rate of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from Baltic coastal waters

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2008

The specific metabolic rate (SMR) and haemolymph osmolality (HO) of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus ... more The specific metabolic rate (SMR) and haemolymph osmolality (HO) of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii Gould, 1841 from Baltic brackish waters were measured at a habitat salinity of 7 psu (T = 15°C, full air saturation) and after step-wise acclimation to a salinity range of 3-27 psu. Values of SMR at 7 psu varied between 0.40 and 3.89 J g − 1 WW h − 1 (n = 25, wet weight range 0.051-1.142 g) and were significantly (p b 0.05) related to the specimen's wet weight (WW) according to the power regression SMR = 0.94 WW − 0.41 (R 2 = 0.68). The SMR of females did not differ significantly (p N 0.05) from those of males. When exposed to higher salinities, the SMR of R. harrisii decreased significantly (p b 0.05) and reached a minimum value at 23 psu (0.55 ± 0.05 J g − 1 WW h − 1 , n = 6). Mean haemolymph osmolality at 7 psu amounted to 581 ± 26 mOsm kg − 1 (n = 5) and was 2.9 times higher than that of the external medium. R. harrisii hyperosmoregulated its body fluids up to 24 psu (727 mOsm kg − 1) at which salinity the isosmotic point was reached.

Research paper thumbnail of Does scope for growth change as a result of salinity stress in the amphipod Gammarus oceanicus?

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2006

Physiological performance (feeding, metabolism, growth and excretion) across a broad range of sal... more Physiological performance (feeding, metabolism, growth and excretion) across a broad range of salinity (5–30psu) were determined for the benthic amphipod Gammarus oceanicus, a species of marine origin inhabiting brackish waters of the southern Baltic Sea. Feeding rates decreased with increasing salinity, whereas the nutritive absorption efficiency increased. Faeces production and ammonia excretion rates decreased strongly from the lowest to the

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of salinity on the physiology and bioenergetics of adult Chinese mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2012

... Monika Normant Corresponding author contact information , E-mail the corresponding author ,; ... more ... Monika Normant Corresponding author contact information , E-mail the corresponding author ,; Marta Kr??l,; Magdalena Jakubowska. Department of Experimental Ecology of Marine Organisms, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gda??sk, Al. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis (Decapoda: Grapsidae) from Polish waters

Oceanologia, 2000

Abstract: The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis Milne-Edwards, 1854 is a newcomer to the Bal... more Abstract: The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis Milne-Edwards, 1854 is a newcomer to the Baltic Sea. Previous studies have shown that since the 1940s single large specimens of this species have been caught annually in Polish waters. The invasion of the Chinese ...