Carbon and nitrogen content of fresh and preserved nematoscelis dijficilis, a euphausiid crustacean

Abstract

The carbon and nitrogen content of fresh and preserved specimens of the euphausiid Nematoscelis difficilis was investigated. Carbon loss from euphausiids, stored 15 weeks in buffered 10% freshwater formalin, buffered 10% seawater formalin, and 70%ethanol was 1723%. Total loss of organic matter from euphausiids preserved in seawater formalin was 122% of fresh dry weight with carbon constituting 60% of this loss. Nitrogen losses from Nemaloscelis preserved in seawater formalin and 70% ethanol were estimated at 192-210%. Loss of nitrogen from animals preserved in freshwater formalin was 297%. Percentages of carbon and nitrogen lost from preserved Nematoscelis were similar and it is suggested that most of the organic compounds lost were proteinaceous. © 1968 Oxford University Press.