Effect of copper on hatching and development of larvae of the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Grapsidae)

ZAPATA, V.; LÓPEZ GRECO, L.S.; RODRÍGUEZ, E.M.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY

SETAC PRESS

Año: 2001 vol. 20 p. 1579 - 1589

0730-7268

Ovigerous females of estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulata were exposed to 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 3 mg/l of copper during the egg incubation period. Regarding egg loss, a higher effect was observed at higher copper concentrations: 80% females lost their eggs at 0.5 mg Cu/l, whereas no hatching was seen in those exposed to 3 mg/l. A significant decrease was found in the number of hatched larvae in females exposed to 0.5 mg /l, as was a significant decrease in the duration of the incubation period. In addition, several morphological abnormalities were seen and observed. Hydropsy and atrophy pf dorsal spine, pleon and maxillipeds occurred at the highest copper concentration. Hyperpigmentation of the cephalotorax and pleon was the only abnormality observed at every concentration assayed. Hypopigmented eyes were also evident. This pathology that among all defects observed at 0.5 mg/L, hypopigmented eyes had the highest incidence and might be a specific response to cooper.