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The fluffy sea anemone Metridium senile in periodically oxygen depleted surroundings

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Abstract

In SCUBA-diving monitored field experiments (Flensburg Fjord, 15 m, 1981) and parallel aquarium tests,the behavior of Metridium senile under anoxic conditions and its oxygen-deficiency resistance were studied. When oxygen is lacking the fluffy sea anemone diminishes body surface, and then, successively, shuts off most energy consuming activities. By means of this strategy, 50% of the tested individuals survived 3 weeks of total anoxia.

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Communicated by O. Kinne, Hamburg

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Wahl, M. The fluffy sea anemone Metridium senile in periodically oxygen depleted surroundings. Mar. Biol. 81, 81–86 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397629

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