Patterns of trace-metal distribution in tissues of Pleoticus muelleri (Crustacea: decapoda: solenoceridae)

Trace-metal distribution in tissues of the shrimp Pleoticus muelleri Bate from the Patagonian region, Argentina, was related to sex, size and physiological condition. Concentrations of cadmium, copper, manganese and zinc were determined in the digestive gland, male reproductive system and muscle of adult specimens. Significant (p<0.01) sex-dependent differences in mean metal concentrations (μg g-1 wet wt) were found in the following tissues of males and females, respectively: digestive gland, Cu, 82.9 and 30.8; Zn, 32.5 and 44.9; reproductive system, Zn, 12.8 and 38.6; Mn, 1.7 and 3.1; Cd, 0.29 and 0.58. Metal levels of muscle showed no significant differences between sexes. Cadmium was not detected in muscle, suggesting that its incorporation into this tissue was strictly regulated. Metal concentrations in the male reproductive system were in general weakly correlated (0.001oogenesis. Manganese was not involved in this presumptive mechanism. The results of this study are discussed in terms of concentrations and in absolute amounts for standardized individuals.