Effects of Temperature and Kelthane on Grass Shrimp

Proportional continuous-flow bioassay tests were used to determine the effects of temperature and Kelthane (organochlorine) on grass shrimp Crangon survival for exposure periods of 24 hr, 48 hr, and 72 hr under laboratory conditions. All specimens were collected from San Pablo Bay, California. Both elevated temperature and Kelthane concentration had a significant inverse effect on Crangon survival, and the responses to an increase in temperature and Kelthane concentration were strongly interdependent. As temperature increased, the Kelthane concentration lethal to a given percentage of shrimp decreased, and, conversely, as Kelthane concentration increased, the temperature lethal to a certain percentage of population decreased. The results are in general agreement with values reported for other aquatic animals. Sublethal effects of Kelthane on Crangon were also observed. Feeding, molting, and motor control were affected by Kelthane.