Studies in the biochemistry of cirripede eggs. VII. Changes in the general biochemical composition during development of Chthamalus dentatus Krauss and Octomeris angulosa Sowerby

The carbohydrate, protein, total lipid, RNA, and DNA have been determined at four stages during the embryonic development in two chthamalids, Chthamalus dentatus Krauss and Octomeris angulosa Sowerby, from the South African coast. These values were compared with those of some cirripedes from the northern hemisphere. There is a relatively high utilization of lipids during the development as was previously found in Chthamalus montagui Southward. The relative volume specific energy content is similar to other cirripedes, but clearly higher than that of boreo-arctic balanids. The energy loss in C. dentatus is 54.4% of the initial energy content and that of Octomeris angulosa is 39.4%. This is lower than that found in Chthamalus montagui, but higher than that of all other cirripedes studied and especially the boreo-arctic species. The possibility of geographical significance of these differences is discussed.