Haemocyanin concentrations in field populations of three species of southern Australian abalone

Abstract

Haemocyanin concentrations in the blood of West Island populations of three species of southern Australian abalone, Haliotis roei, H. laevigata and H. ruber, were monitored for 2 years. Considerable variation in haemocyanin concentration was found between individuals in a given sample, and between sample means from different sampling periods in all species. Some animals sampled more than once showed little or no change in haemocyanin concentration after periods of up to 9 months, while others showed marked changes (both increases and decreases in concentration) over shorter periods. The variation in monthly means and individual concentrations could not be correlated with season, water temperature, feeding behaviour, or reproductive state in any species. Despite the variation it seems likely that even at the lowest recorded concentration, haemocyanin would still contribute more significantly to the respiratory oxygen supply than would oxygen in solution. It is suggested that the higher haemocyanin concentration of H. roei may be associated with the more active character of this species.