Effects of handling during experimental procedures on stress indices in the green shore crab, <i>Carcinus maenas</i> (L)

Stress due to handling is often an unavoidable feature of experimental investigations. In some cases, appropriate settling times are not considered, and as such, physiological responses caused by may become additive with those treatments. This study investigated the effect different procedures on acute green shore crab (Carcinus maenas). Handling, such would occur during transport around a research facility or transfer procedure, was designated light (10 min emersion) severe emersion shaking). Oxygen consumption (MO2) haemolymph glucose L-lactate concentrations were elevated post-handling, magnitude change related severity stress. Glucose peaked within 1 h returned basal levels 6 h, but MO2 remained for 10 reflecting additional energy required oxidize replenish reserves. Differences between treatments showed that vibration (shaking) major contributor stress response, rather than emersion. confirmed in second experiment where crabs handled without emersion, 14 h. this experiment, most pronounced increase metabolic parameters occurred physically touched moved rapidly from holding tanks. Here touch, well visual stimuli, provoked fight-flight response crabs. also evident gently transferred containers. The fact transferring no physical touching minimal vibrational stimuli still evoked albeit less pronounced, supports recommendation crustaceans should be left settle apparatus at least 12 after before initiated.