Salinity tolerance and osmotic response of the estuarine hermit crab Pagurus maclaughlinae in the Indian River Lagoon,Florida

Pagurus maclaughlinae is the most common hermit in the Indian River Lagoon System. Wide variations in lagoonal salinity make it likely that P. maclaughlinae is euryhaline and that other hermit species in the area are more stenohaline, at least in some stages of their life histories. In a study of salinity tolerance, crabs were held unfed at salinities of 5–50 (25 control) for up to 30 days. Based on survivorship curves, P. maclaughlinae tolerated acute exposure to salinities of 10–45 for up to 18 days, and survivorship up to 30 days at 20–45 equaled or exceeded survivorship of the control. In a study of acclimation, the osmotic pressure of hemolymph was measured after crabs were held in the laboratory for 12, 48, and 96 h acutely exposed to salinities of 10–45. Paired t-tests revealed that the crabs weakly hyperregulated their hemolymph at 45–154 mOsmol above the external medium at all salinities and sampling times, and the osmotic differential of their hemolymph was fully acclimated by 96 h. In a third study, acclimatization of hemolymph was studied on crabs at four field sites that differed in their recent salinity histories. Field-collected crabs weakly regulated their hemolymph 72–84 mOsmol above the external medium at all sites sampled. Performance did not differ by site. The range of salinity tolerance and acclimation of hemolymph of P. maclaughlinae partly explain their wide distribution, and the consistent osmotic differential of its hemolymph indicates that the osmoregulatory ability of this small-bodied species is conserved in populations throughout the lagoon. Although some other larger-bodied hermit species in the region are euryhaline as adults, their tendency to hyperregulate strongly at low salinities possibly adds an energetic burden that, along with their less euryhaline long-lived larvae, might exclude them from the lagoon. Salinity tolerance of larval P. maclaughlinae has yet to be studied.     

Impacts of Habitat Complexity on Physiology: Purple Shore Crabs Tolerate Osmotic Stress for Shelter

Purple shore crabs, Hemigrapsus nudus (Crustacea: Decapoda), can survive indefinitely in salinities of 8 (25% SW), but also tolerate short-term exposure to salinities as low as 2. In the laboratory their salinity preference range, determined from choice chamber experiments, is 22–32 and they can discriminate between pairs of salinities separated by a difference of 2. These crabs show a strong positive thigmotaxis and a weak negative phototaxis and tend to choose environments with available shelter. The presence of shelter significantly alters the behaviour of this species. When shelter is available the salinity preference range is 10–32. Even in salinities below this preference range, the presence of shelter prolongs the time spent in the lower test salinities. This change in behaviour has implications on the crab's physiology: the haemolymph osmolality falls to lower levels when crabs remain in low salinity under shelters. In the field, H. nudus is found in creeks with salinities close to freshwater and they may remain in this salinity for up to 11 h, if there are rocks under which to shelter. An increase in habitat complexity increases the number of crabs that are found within the creek. These crabs in the low salinity environment have a lower haemolymph osmolality than crabs on the nearby open shore. In H. nudus the behavioural selection of a shelter appears to outweigh the physiological costs associated with osmotic regulation of the body fluids. Therefore, the distribution of H. nudus in estuaries may depend more on the availability of suitable habitats rather than the salinity tolerance of this species.     

Effects of salinity on sublethal toxicity of atrazine to mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) larvae

In coastal marshes, fish larvae may be exposed simultaneously to extreme salinities and to atrazine, a widely used herbicide. To assess the effects of salinity on the toxicity of atrazine, newly-hatched mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) were exposed to atrazine (0, 5, 50 and 500 microg/L) at three salinities (3, 15 and 35PSU). Whole body cortisol was measured after 24 h. Body length, condition factor, whole body proteins, lipids, residual masses and water contents were assessed after 96 h. Significants effects were found for both condition factor and water content. Condition factors were lower at salinity 3 and 35 compared to near isoosmotic salinity, 15PSU. In addition, atrazine decreased condition factor at 500 microg/L. Reduction in condition was likely due to retardation in axial growth since body length, percentages of proteins or lipids were not affected. In the absence of atrazine, salinity had no effect on the prevalence of dehydrated (81% water) or hyperhydrated (85% water) larvae. In larvae exposed to atrazine, the prevalence of hyperhydrated larvae increased at 3PSU and 5 microg/L atrazine and that of dehydrated larvae increased at 15 and 35PSU and 5 microg/L atrazine. Severity of dehydratation increased with atrazine concentration at salinity 35PSU. Thus, a short-term exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of atrazine affects osmotic control in mummichog larvae with possible effects on buoyancy, survival and recruitment.     

盐度对大叶藻种子萌发和幼苗发育的影响

大叶藻海草场是重要生境但在我国严重退化,亟需研究有效的修复方法。本文以桑沟湾的大叶藻种子为研究对象,探讨了盐度急变(0~30)对种子萌发、萌发后继续发育和存活及幼苗幼叶的光合与呼吸速率的影响,为以种子繁殖修复大叶藻海草场提供参考。结果表明:盐度降低促进种子萌发,盐度15及以下效果显著,盐度0时萌发率最高;盐度0~15中萌发的种子均可发育成幼苗,发育和衰亡的比例和速率受萌发盐度背景和萌发后培养盐度的双重影响——较高萌发盐度有利于种子萌发后的发育和存活,种子萌发后于盐度5~30中均可建成幼苗并存活、但在盐度0或1中发育至不同程度后全部死亡。盐度5~30范围内,幼苗幼叶均有净产氧,光合和呼吸作用及净产氧率具随盐度升高而增强趋势。于盐度0或5中萌发、盐度5~30中进一步培育的变盐育苗策略,最高实现了24%或12%的种子于2个月内建成幼苗并继续发育,可作为种子繁殖法修复大叶藻海草场的技术参考。     

天津厚蟹对盐度和温度的耐受性

研究了天津厚蟹Helice tientsinensis对盐度和温度的耐受性。天津厚蟹对盐度的耐受能力极强,在温度9~34℃盐度为0的淡水介质中均能存活96h以上;在10℃、20℃及30℃的高渗介质中暴露96h后,天津厚蟹全部存活的盐度分别是65、56和50,全部死亡的盐度分别为83、74和68。天津厚蟹对低温的耐受力较强,在0、30和50盐度水平下,耐受低温的能力差别较大,能耐受96h的最低温度分别是9℃、2℃和6℃。天津厚蟹对高温也有较强的耐受能力,在0、30和50盐度水平下,分别在34℃、36℃和35℃下能耐受96h;盐度50温度38℃时,在开始的24h内无死亡,但48h后死亡率急剧上升,同样规律也出现在30和0溶液中,前者温度是39℃,后者为35℃。研究结果还表明盐度和温度的交互效应显著,二者的交互作用对天津厚蟹的存活亦有显著性影响(P0.05),温度升高(从10℃到20℃再到30℃)致使其耐盐能力显著下降,而盐度的剧烈变化(从30到50或从30到0)也致使其耐温能力显著下降。     

盐度渐变对黄条鰤消化酶和超氧化物歧化酶活力及甲状腺激素的影响

为探讨黄条鰤(Seriola aureovittata)对盐度渐变的应激响应机制,设置盐度5、10、15、20、29和35共6个盐度渐变点,对幼鱼的消化酶活力、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和甲状腺激素(T4)等生理指标进行了检测和分析。研究显示:胃、肠、肝脏和幽门盲囊的脂肪酶的活性均在盐度29渐变点最高,在低盐度渐变点这4个组织的脂肪酶活性均随盐度降低而降低。肠和肝脏的蛋白酶活性在盐度29渐变点达到峰值,幽门盲囊的蛋白酶活性则在盐度35渐变点最高,且与其他盐度渐变点间有显著性差异(P<0.05)。胃、肠、肝脏的淀粉酶活性在盐度29渐变点最高,而幽门盲囊的淀粉酶活性在盐度35渐变点最高,但与盐度29渐变点无显著性差异(P>0.05)。血清SOD活性在盐度5渐变点显著低于其他盐度渐变点(P<0.05),SOD活性在盐度20和35渐变点与29渐变点无显著性差异(P>0.05)。血清T4浓度随着盐度的升高或降低均升高,盐度20渐变点与29渐变点的T4浓度无显著性差异(P>0.05)。研究显示,自然海水盐度29是黄条鰤幼鱼存活的适宜盐度,且黄条鰤幼鱼能较快适应略低盐度(20~29),但较低或较高盐度渐变点的消化酶活力和抗应激指标则显著异常。盐度渐变可引起黄条鰤幼鱼的消化生理、抗氧化水平和T4浓度的变化,黄条鰤幼鱼对外界盐度变化表现出较强的适应性。     

Effect of zinc on regeneration in the fiddler crab Uca pugilator and its interactions with methylmercury and cadmium

After multiple autotomy (one chela and six walking legs) fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator) were exposed to zinc chloride, cadmium chloride, methylmercuric chloride or combinations of these metals. Zinc at 1, 3 and 5 ppm had a retarding effect on limb regeneration, which was amplified in water of reduced salinity. Methylmercury at 0·5 ppm and cadmium at 1·0 ppm have previously been found to retard regeneration. When crabs were exposed to meHg and Zn the effects were additive, both in sea water (30% salinity) and in water of reduced salinity (7–8%). However, when crabs were exposed to combinations of Zn and Cd the effects were antagonistic and the rate of regeneration was almost that of controls. In water of 7–8% salinity the Cd effect was greatly intensified and growth was almost totally prevented. The presence of Zn counteracted this and allowed growth and ecdysis to occur.     

Combined Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Zoeal Development of the Crab Liocarcinus puber (Decapoda: Portunidae)

Abstract. Larval development of the crab Liocarcinus puber was studied from hatching to the megalopa stage under 12 different temperature and salinity combinations, 10°C, 15°C, and 20°C (T): 20, 25, 30, and 35% (S), with a view to establishing optimum conditions for zoeal development. High larval mortalities were recorded at 10°C in all the experimental salinities, indicating the sensitivity of the larvae to low temperatures. Highest zoeal survival was obtained in the higher salinity and temperature combinations. First zoeae completed their development in all T-S combinations tested, while successive stages showed increased sensitivity and suffered high mortalities in lower salinities at 15° and 20°C and in all salinities at 10°C. The duration of zoeal development decreased with increasing temperature, whilst the lower salinities delayed development. Q₁₀ values did not differ much at higher salinities, with values ranging from 1.5 to 2.6.     

Trace metal uptake by the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis: the role of osmoregulation

Changes in salinity affect the bioavailability and consequent uptake of trace metals by euryhaline invertebrates. In many cases, salinity-related effects on metal uptake can be explained by changes in chemical speciation but salinity may also influence uptake indirectly through its action on osmoregulatory mechanisms. Specifically, it can be hypothesised that trace metal uptake may be reduced at salinities approaching the isosmotic point of a species because, at this point, there is reduced activity of ionic exchange pumps. The present study tested this hypothesis using the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, a hyper-hypoosmoregulator with an isosmotic point around 33 per thousand. Crabs were exposed to radio-labelled cadmium and zinc at 23, 33 and 43 per thousand for 4 days. To eradicate speciation effects, crabs were exposed to the same concentration of the radio-labelled free metal ion (estimated using MineQL computer software) at each salinity. Haemolymph samples were taken daily and radio-labelled metal concentrations were estimated from radioactivity counts and used to provide relative measures of metal uptake. Neither cadmium nor zinc uptake was lowest at the isosmotic point. The uptake of cadmium increased significantly with increase in salinity, while the uptake of zinc showed no significant change with increased salinity. Thus changes in trace metal uptake rates in E. sinensis do not appear to be controlled only by changes in free metal ion concentrations. The different effects of salinity change on the uptake of cadmium and zinc (in the absence of free metal ion change) also indicate that physiological responses to osmotic change alone do not control metal uptake rates for this species.     

坛紫菜耐低盐品系的选育与特性分析

本实验室采用人工诱变技术获得一个坛紫菜耐低盐品系(YZ-7),为了验证该品系的耐低盐性状能否遗传,本文对其壳孢子和F1叶状体的低盐耐受性分别进行了测试,并以坛紫菜野生品系(WT)作为对照,结果表明:在不同盐度下培养2周的YZ-7和WT的壳孢子,在26盐度组存活率无显著差异;在15盐度组,YZ-7的壳孢子存活率和假根发生率分别比WT提高了34%和35%;在8和5盐度组,YZ-7的壳孢子存活率、分裂率及假根发生率分别比WT提高了65%、32%和62%,以及137%、80%和154%;在3盐度组,YZ-7的壳孢子存活率和分裂率分别比WT提高了458%和171%,其中约44.9%的YZ-7壳孢子萌发体能形成假根,而WT的壳孢子萌发体基本上不长假根。在26盐度中培养35d后的F1叶状体再分别在26、15、8、5和3盐度下培养30d,YZ-7叶状体的特定生长率分别为WT的1.7、1.9、1.5、1.6和1.6倍,绝对生长率分别是WT的3.4、4.1、1.8、2.0和1.6倍。此外,YZ-7叶状体的叶绿素荧光活性(PSⅡ最大光量子产量、实际光量子产量)及三种主要光合色素(叶绿素a、藻红蛋白和藻蓝蛋白)的含量也明显高于WT。上述结果证实,坛紫菜选育品系YZ-7是一个耐低盐且生长快的优良品系,其优良性状可稳定传递给下一代,有望被培育成适宜栽培的新品种。     

Spatial profiles of hsp70 proteins in Asian clam (Potamocorbula amurensis) in northern San Francisco Bay may be linked to natural rather than anthropogenic stressors.

Multi-year investigations in northern San Francisco Bay by United States Geological Survey have linked reduced condition indices in populations of Asian clam (Potamocorbula amurensis) with elevated cadmium tissue concentrations. Our study seeks to determine whether levels of hsp70 proteins in P. amurensis can be correlated with these findings, and/or are related to histopathologic alterations and concentrations of metallothionein-like proteins. Here we present our results on stress proteins in clams collected monthly from four field stations between July 1996 and January 1998. In addition, animals were exposed in the laboratory to a range of salinities. Stress proteins were analyzed by Western blotting using monoclonal antibodies. Hsp70 protein levels in field-collected clams were significantly higher at the seaward (high salinity/low cadmium) stations (12.5, 8.1) than at the landward (low salinity/high cadmium) stations (6.1, 4.1). Laboratory studies showed that clams exposed to 0.1 ppt salinity had markedly lower hsp70 levels than clams exposed to higher salinities. In view of our previous laboratory studies showing that cadmium induces hsp70 in P. amurensis, our present results indicate that reduced hsp70 protein levels in field-collected clams may be linked to salinity effects rather than cadmium tissue concentrations.     

Comparative salinity tolerances of four siphonariid limpets in relation to habitat restriction of the rare and endangered Siphonaria compressa

The salinity tolerances of four South African species of limpet in the genus Siphonaria were experimentally tested, in the context that one of them, S. compressa, is South Africa's most endangered marine mollusc and is restricted to two lagoonal localities that normally experience little variation in salinity. Its habitat is additionally restricted in that it occurs only on the eelgrass Zostera capensis. The other three species, S. capensis, S. concinna and S. serrata, are abundant and widespread on temperate rocky shores. We hypothesised that S. compressa would have limited tolerance to low salinities, contributing to its absence from otherwise suitable estuaries that experience regular fluctuations of salinity. The percentage survival of the limpets was recorded in salinities ranging from 2 to 35 over that period. Both salinity and species significantly affected the survival of the limpets over the 96 hours. Survival was highest in salinities close to those of normal seawater, and greatly reduced in the hypo saline waters. S. compressa had the lowest salinity tolerance of the four species, its time-to-50% mortality in hyposaline waters being significantly less than that for the other three species, which differed in a manner that could be correlated with their zonation patterns. Restriction to eelgrass, coupled with low salinity tolerance, probably explains why S. compressa is found at only two localities, both of which normally experience salinities close to that of seawater. Even there, mass mortalities of S. compressa have been recorded in association with die-backs of eelgrass after abnormal freshwater flooding or sedimentation—further emphasising the vulnerability of S. compressa to extinction.     

Influence of combined changes in salinity and copper modulation on growth and copper uptake in the tropical green macroalga Ulva reticulata

The influence of salinity on growth and Cu uptake in the green macroalga Ulva reticulata collected from the intertidal area in the Western Indian Ocean was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. Exposure concentrations ranged from 5 to 500 μg Cu l⁻¹ at five salinities (ranging 20–40). The accumulation of Cu increased with decreasing salinity, so that the uptake at 500 μg Cu l⁻¹ was approximately 2.7, 2.4 and 2.0 times higher at salinities of 20, 25, and 30 respectively, than uptake at salinity of 35, and with uptake being lowest at salinity of 40. Ulva maintained a positive growth rate over the whole salinity range (20–40), with highest rates at salinity of 35. When exposing to Cu at low salinities (20 and 25), the growth rate of Ulva was strongly inhibited suggesting an increase in toxicity of Cu with decreasing salinity. EC50 and NOEC increased with increase in salinity, implying a reduced Cu toxicity at high salinities. It was concluded that salinity needs to be considered when using macroalgae, such as U. reticulata, as a bioindicator of heavy metals in areas with heavy rainfall, underground fresh water intrusion or in estuaries, as they might accumulate more metals and be more negatively affected.     

Salinity tolerance of northern Brazilian mangrove crab larvae, Ucides cordatus (Ocypodidae): Necessity for larval export?

The life cycle of the semiterrestrial mangrove crab Ucides cordatus includes pelagic larvae that are released into estuarine waters during the wet season and who may thus encounter potentially stressful low and variable salinity conditions. The effect of salinity on the survival of the zoea larvae, the number of zoeal stages and the duration of development from hatching to megalopa was experimentally studied by rearing larvae from the Caeté estuary, Northern Brazil, in seven salinity treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30). For a better interpretation of the laboratory results, estuarine salinities were measured over five consecutive years during the species' reproductive season. The survival of the zoea larvae varied significantly with salinity, while the number of stages and the duration of their development remained constant. Development to megalopa took 20.77 ± 1.57 days and comprised five zoeal stages with ZI and ZII being euryhaline and later stages stenohaline. The newly hatched larvae stayed alive for up to 6 days in freshwater (average 4.32 ± 0.82 days), but did not moult to the second zoeal stage. ZII larvae first occurred from salinity 5 onwards and later zoeal stages at all tested salinities ≥10. However, the larvae only survived to megalopa at salinities ≥15, with highest numbers at salinity 30 (72%) and lowest at 15 (16%). Lethal salinities ≤10 occurred frequently in the estuary during the reproductive season. This suggests a need for larval export to offshore and thus more saline waters to allow for significant larval survival and maintenance of viable populations of this commercially important species. A regional rather than local approach for management is suggested due to the likelihood of long distance larval dispersal by offshore currents.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHOTOSYNTHESIS OR RESPIRATION OF SOME SEAWEEDS AND TEMPERATURE OR SALINITY

The effect of temperature and salinity on the photosynthetic and respiratory rates of some seaweeds are reported. The regression equations for the seaweeds and their correlograms are discussed and compared.The results indicate that the photosynthetic rate of E. binghamiae fronds shows a significant negative linear correlation (p<0.01) with changing of temperature (20-35℃), the optimum temperature being 20℃, while for the others there is a conic correlation between photosynthetic rate and temperature.The optimum temperature for photosynthesis is 23-25℃ for two species of Porphyra fronds, 25-28℃ for Gracilaria sp. thalli and 23-30℃ for V. conglobata and S. hemiphyllum fronds, separately. The rates of respiration for all the studied species increase linearly with increasing temperature from 18 to 35℃. The optimum salinities for photosynthesis range from 26 to 32 for two species of Gracilaria, whose respiratory rates decrease gradually with increasing salinity.     

盐度对长江口3种滤食性贝类滤水率、摄食率、同化率的影响

采用实验生态学方法研究了盐度对长江口缢蛏(Sinonovacula constricta)、河蚬(Corbicula fluminea)和光滑河蓝蛤(Potamocorbula laevis)滤水率、摄食率、同化率的影响。缢蛏组设6个盐度梯度(5,10,15,20,25,30),光滑河蓝蛤组设6个盐度梯度(5,10,15,20,25,30),河蚬组设6个盐度梯度(0,5,10,15,20,25),并测定了此3种滤食性贝类的生物学参数。结果显示,3种滤食性贝类的滤水率、摄食率和同化率随着盐度的上升而增加,当上升到一定盐度时达到峰值,然后随着盐度的升高而降低。盐度20时,缢蛏滤水率、摄食率和同化率达到峰值,分别为0.57L/h、5.38mg POM/h和0.72%。盐度10时,光滑河蓝蛤滤水率和同化率达到峰值,分别为0.46L/h和0.53%,摄食率在盐度15时达到峰值3.80mg POM/h。盐度5时河蚬滤水率和摄食率都达到峰值,分别为0.39 L/h和2.48 mg POM/h,同化率在盐度0时已达到峰值0.51%,并随盐度上升而下降。上述结果表明,盐度对3种滤食性贝类的3个摄食生理指标均有显著影响。     

Are there salinity stress proteins?

To establish whether osmotic stress can be separated from possible toxicant stress in Eurytemora affinis, protein synthesis was analyzed under various conditions of temperature and osmotic stress. Individual adult copepods raised at 10 ppt and 15 °C were exposed for 5 h to different temperature and salinity regimes. Newly synthesized proteins were separated and identified using SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. Copepods exposed to lower (2 and 5 ppt) and higher (15 and 20 ppt) salinities showed differences in the up- and down-regulation of specific proteins. Concurrent heat stress changed these protein patterns. These results suggest that protein profiles might be used to distinguish the effect of toxicants in a salinity gradient such as the Chesapeake Bay or in the Baltic region.     

Exposure of pink salmon embryos to dissolved polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons delays development,prolonging vulnerability to mechanical damage

Exposure to dissolved polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from crude oil delays pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) embryo development, thus prolonging their susceptibility to mechanical damage (shock). Exposure also caused mortality, edema, and anemia consistent with previous studies. Hatching and yolk consumption were delayed, indicating the rate of embryonic development was slowed by PAH exposure. The net result was that exposed embryos were more susceptible to shock than normal, unexposed embryos. Susceptibility to shock was protracted by 4–6 d for more than a month in embryos exposed to exponentially declining, dissolved PAH concentrations in water passed through oiled rock; the initial total PAH concentration was 22.4 μg L⁻¹ and the geometric mean concentration was 4.5 μg L⁻¹ over the first 20 d. Protracted susceptibility to shock caused by exposure to PAHs dissolved from oil could potentially increase the reported incidence of mortality in oiled stream systems, such as those in Prince William Sound after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, if observers fail to discriminate between direct mortality and shock-induced mortality.     

Seasonal variance of salinity tolerance of a copepod Drepanopus bispinosus in an Antarctic littoral saline lake (Burton Lake)

In Burton Lake (an Antarctic littoral saline lake), as one of the overwinter species, the female Drepanopus bispinosus reach adult form in autumn. and early winter.For the subsequent life period of more than eight months, the animals experience such changing environment as increasing salinities from approximately 33 (in May) to 39 (in November). There is a considerable difference of salinity tolerance of female adults between summer and winter populations.Winter collected copepods survived lower salinities than summer collected copepods in this experiment. The upward shift in their salinity tolerance range is related to the development of field acclimation to salinity. Respiration rates of the summer animals showed a visible increase over those of winter copepods in simitar salinity and temperature conditions, thus supporting the above conclusion.     

Suspended silt and salinity tolerances of the first zoeal stage of the fiddler crab Uca annulipes (Decapoda: Brachyura) and why marine connectivity is essential to the survival of the species

Fiddler crabs (Uca spp.) undergo the zoeal stage of development in open-ocean waters, where they experience stable salinity levels, low turbidity and reduced predation. The St Lucia estuarine system has undergone many geomorphological changes, both natural and anthropogenic, and the estuary mouth has been closed since the early 2000s. Despite recent attempts to improve marine connectivity, it remains limited, occurring primarily on the flood tide through channels connected to the adjacent Mfolozi River. Larval export from the St Lucia Estuary is therefore almost non-existent. A laboratory study was undertaken to examine the silt and salinity tolerance of Uca annulipes first stage zoeae, to investigate whether survival in the closed-estuary conditions would be possible. Salinity tolerance was narrow, with zoeae displaying 100% mortality at salinities <20 and >35 after five days. Zoeae were widely tolerant to silt loading and did not display a significant decrease in survival over a range of 0–1 000 NTU. A limited salinity tolerance is in accordance with the life-history strategy of fiddler crabs, and a high tolerance to turbid waters can be advantageous to small-bodied merozooplankton. Given the stenohaline nature of the zoeae, marine connectivity is therefore essential for the persistence of U. annulipes in this estuarine habitat.