Application of fluorescent substance to the analysis of growth performance in Antarctic bivalve, Laternula elliptica

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The shells of the Antarctic bivalve, Laternula elliptica, contain considerable information about their growth history and environmental changes. Growth rate determination in Laternula elliptica was attempted using a fluorescent substance, tetracycline, as a growth marker. The specimens were exposed to tetracycline solution of 200mg/ι for periods of 18 to 30h at about 0-2℃ without food. A distinct and narrow yellow fluorescent line was identified from the umbonal part to the ventral margin in all animals examined. This is the first success of fluorescent substance marking under the condition of low temperature and in Antarctic species. In the umbonal region, especially in the chondrophore, relatively rapid growth was observed. In the central part, a lower growth rate was observed. The growth rate of this species is not necessarily low in comparison with the temporal or tropical species. The combination of fluorescent marker and growth increment analyses will provide a powerful tool in estimating the benthic animal production, which is important information to understand the Antarctic ecosystem.
国立極地研究所の論文