Effects of Bunker C oil on Juvenile horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus)

Newly hatched horsehoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) were exposed to autoclaved Bunker C oil for 8 weeks. Autoclaving served to prevent bacterial degradation of stored oil and to drive off the volatile fraction of the oil. The oil was introduced in the form of a whole oil suspension. Minimum lethal dose was shown to be 2.25 mg per 1. Concentrations greater than 0.25 mg per 1 caused a delay in molting.