Effects of Water Temperature on Ventilation of the Japanese Common Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus of Different Color Pattern

Abstract

The difference in the ventilation in the respiratory tree among Red, Blue and Black (color pattern) of the Japanese common sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus was examined with rising water temperature from acclimation temperature (28, 22 and 12°C) . In Red, Blue and Black, ventilation volume (Vg), ventilation frequency (Vf), exhalation and inhalation volume per one stroke (Vst-ex and Vst-in) and inhalation frequency per one cycle of Vf (If/Vf) remained almost constant at 28°C, even if the water temperature rose. At 22°C and 12°C, If/Vf remained almost constant, but Vg, Vf, Vst-ex and Vst in increased with rising water temperature. From these results, it was clear that there was no difference among Red, Blue and Black with regard to changes in the ventilation parameters with rising water temperature. However, the tolerance of Red to high-temperature was lower than those of Blue and Black.