Potential for acclimation of banded-dye murex, Hexaplex trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) aft er long-term exposure to low pH

Previous work on ocean acidification highlighted contrasting response between marine species and population. This so-called species-specific was hypothesized to be partly a consequence of local adaptation the present range natural variability in carbonate chemistry. Under that hypothesis, tolerance threshold should correlated its environmental pH niche. paper aims evaluate shell growth rate Hexaplex trunculus, an important predatory gastropod benthic communities Mali Ston Bay. A long-term experiment (310 days) designed test treatments covering future levels relevant context (7.95-7.22 pHT) at sampling site. Sex had effect irrespective pH, only significant after 236 days. As all followed seasonal patterns correlating changes seawater temperature, data were divided into 3 time periods. positive relationship (SGR, mm day-1) observed for period 1-59 days (temperature ranging 26.5 & 18.8 °C), whereas SGR decreased significantly with following (60-236 days, temperature 20.6 8.5 °C). After 27.5 14.1 there no difference among pH. Similar experienced first third could explained as acute negative versus longer exposure indicating possible potential acclimation. Our results highlight modulating importance experiments better assess impacts organisms.