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The effect of temperature and water quality on the in vitro development and survival of Asellus aquaticus (Crustacea: Isopoda) eggs

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Abstract

The rate of development and degree of survival of Asellus aquaticus eggs outside the marsupium of ovigerous females are affected by water quality and temperature. Eggs were maintained in polluted river water and relatively clean canal water. Developmental rates increase with increased temperature, but survival decreases. Eggs from polluted site ovigerous females survive better in clean water than in polluted water. Eggs from clean site ovigerous females maintained in polluted water have significantly lower survival rates than eggs from the polluted site at all temperatures tested. The developmental rate of clean site eggs is increased significantly in polluted water at 10–25 °C, possibly as a response to the stress imposed upon them.

It is suggested that the method outlined might form the basis of a useful bioassay technique for measuring water quality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, The University, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, England

    D. M. Holdich & M. R. Tolba

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  1. D. M. Holdich
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  2. M. R. Tolba
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Holdich, D.M., Tolba, M.R. The effect of temperature and water quality on the in vitro development and survival of Asellus aquaticus (Crustacea: Isopoda) eggs. Hydrobiologia 78, 227–236 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00008519

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00008519

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