Abstract:
Temperature, salinity, and pH are environmental factors that can have an influence on metabolic rates and behaviors of reef invertebrates. In this study, we investigated the effects of temperature, salinity and pH on the oxygen consumption rates and heart rates of nudibranchs, Jorunna funebris (Kelaart, 1858). The results showed that oxygen consumption and heart rates of the nudibranchs in all size classes were increased with increasing temperature levels. In addition, from the experiments, difference salinity levels also affected both oxygen consumption and heart rates of nudibranchs in all size classes. However, at salinity 40, the oxygen consumption and heart rates of nudirbanchs are found to be lower than those of in the control. For pH experiments, the results revealed that changes in pH levels affected both oxygen consumption and heart rates of nudibranchs. When the pH levels were reduced to 7.6, the oxygen consumption rates and heart rates of all sizes classes increased. Moreover, temperature, salinity, and pH had effects on behaviors of nudibranchs. Those behaviors include reducing activeness, movement, and mucus production. In conclusions, temperature, salinity and pH can have effects on both physiology and behaviors of nudibranch.