A volumetric respirometer for long-term studies of small aquatic animals

Abstract

A modified volumetric respirometer was constructed for an extended series of precise determinations of the respiration of small aquatic animals. Food could be introduced and all operations could be carried out without disturbance to the animal. Provisions were made for the introduction of filtered, bacteria-free sea water between experimental runs. The advantages of the volumetric technique were combined with those of a running-water system to allow the continuous measurement of oxygen consumption under controlled conditions.