Mesopodopsis slabberi (Crustacea : Mysidacea): can it be used in toxicity tests?

Mesopodopsis slabberi is a euryhaline and suprabenthic mysid with a wide geographic distribution and one of the most important mysid species in coastal shallow waters. Nevertheless, no references were found to its uses in ecotoxicological experiments (TOXNET, AQUIRE, ISI Web of Knowledge). This work is part of an ecotoxicological study, representing the first step in establishing a description of this species' tolerance to chemical pollutants typical of estuarine environments. It is possible to assert that acclimation was achieved, for it occurred during a period of time, with a low mortality. Due to the short life cycle of M. slabberi it is strongly believed that 12 days of acclimation is a far too long time, when experiments are to be made after this period. This species is suitable for acclimation in the laboratory, tolerant, and easy of handling. Logistics and materials used to maintain the acclimation system as described are simple and not costly and could easily be used in other laboratories. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.FCT - PDCTM/C/MAR/15266/199