The use of marine benthic ‘key’ species in ecotoxicological testing: Amphiura filiformis (O.F. Müller) (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)

Abstract This paper reports on the methodological aspects of toxicological testing with Amphiura filiformis (O.F. Muller), a presumed marine ‘key’ species. This infaunal ophiuroid echinoderm can be readily maintained in the laboratory, and demonstrates graded responses for surfacing (emerging from its burrow) and mortality. The sensitivity of this species to Cu 2+ , pentachlorophenol, un-ionised ammonia and dieldrin are reported. A. filiformis is moderately sensitive to copper, pentachlorophenol and un-ionised ammonia, although it is less sensitive to dieldrin than many other marine species. The 96-h LC 50 and EC 50 values obtained with the four toxicants are discussed in relation to comparative tests on the commonly used test species Crangon crangon (L). and Artemia salina (L.), as well as published data on other marine test species. The significance and potential use of ‘key’ species in ecotoxicological testing are also considered.