The Effects Of Natural Environmental And Anthropogenic Stressors On Blood Glucose Levels In Two Species Of Decapod Crustaceans

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the stress response in invertebrates or how to measure it. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) has been recommended as a possible indicator of stress in animals. The degree of stress effects the general well-being of the animal and is important in regards to its actions and reactions in its environment, both natural and manmade. Two species of decapod crustaceans, the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, and the hermit crab, Clibanarius vittatus, were subjected to various stressors, natural environmental and anthropogenic in nature, and the change in serum glucose was measured and evaluated as an jndex of stress in crustaceans.