The Relationship Between Copper-Related Damage and Population Growth of the Rock Anemone, Aiptasia spp.

ABSTRACT

The relationship between condition and population growth of the rock anemone, Aiptasia, was determined after exposure to different copper levels ranging from 0 to 199 μg/L Cu. Coinciding with an increase in mortality, most specimens exposed to Cu had retracted heads and a reduced base and exhibited loss of symbiotic photosynthesizing algae. Population growth was affected at 106 μg/L Cu and mortality of adult Aiptasia was first observed at exposure to 154 μg/L Cu for 3-4 weeks or 199 μg/L Cu for at least 18 days. Since the effect of Cu on marine organisms is difficult to predict due to its interactions with other water quality parameters, it is suggested that behavior and condition of Aiptasia could be used as an indicator to predict their population growth in marine hatchery systems.

Key Words:

• Rock anemone
• Aiptasia
• copper toxicity