The blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris was exposed to pond sediment for 48 h and its physiological response was studied in relation to molt stage. Shrimp were maintained in cages within a semi-intensive pond after 4 months of rearing. Hypoosmoregulatory capacity (hypo-OC), magnesium ions (Mg ions), glucose, total proteins and oxyhaemocyanin were assayed in haemolymph. An increase of 370% to 500% in Mg ions concentration and 200% to 266% in glucose concentration, and a decrease in hypo-OC in shrimp maintained close to the centre of the pond indicated a short-term stress response in all molt stages. Indicators of water and sediment pore water quality were within normal operating limits, however this area was characterized by high water content and... |