Abstract
Immobilization of marine invertebrates for research purposes has been
commonly used and is often necessary to obtain high-quality findings.
Despite these approaches being standard procedures, they can affect the
specimens, and their responses as well. The effectiveness of magnesium
chloride (MgCl2) to “narcotize” marine invertebrates has been recognized since 1946. Here, we determine the concentration of MgCl2 that immobilizes Cassiopea
sp., at jellyfish stage, effectively and quickly, without causing
mortality. The specimens were exposed to different concentrations of
MgCl2, until the range was narrowed, and the most effective
concentration was found (0.092M). In the final experiment, the jellyfish
(~ 8.68 cm ± 1.70 SD of diameter) were exposed to a 0.092M MgCl2
solution for 2 and 24 hours. Before, during, and after the exposure we
monitored the following biological responses: (1) cessation of bell
pulsations, (2) responsiveness to bell-tap stimulus, (3) photochemical
efficiency, (4) bell pulsation, (5) recovery time, and (6) survival
after 24 and 48 hours from exposure. Environmental conditions (pH and
dissolved oxygen, dO2) were monitored as well. Our findings indicate that, despite being an effective concentration for immobilization of Cassiopea
sp. at jellyfish stage, their bell pulsations were significantly
affected both after 2 and 24 hours when comparing the values measured in
the “pre-incubation” and “immediate post-incubation” phases, whereas
bell size was significantly affected only in the 24 hours incubation. In
conclusion, we suggest that this concentration can be used to
immobilize Cassiopea sp.at jellyfish stage for short-term
analyses. However, the limitations related to the use of this chemical
should be reported, as it could lead scientists to misleading
conclusions.
Keywords
Cassiopea
Magnesium Chloride
bell pulsation