ABSTRACT
The chemical composition of the haemolymph of adult snails was significantly altered during thermal acclimation (from 19° to 4°, 12° and 30°C), The osmotic concentration was highest in cold groups (4° and 12°C) and lowest in warm-acclimated animals.
The concentration of sodium in the haemolymph was highest in warm- and cold-acclimated individuals and lowest at intermediate temperatures (12° and 19°C), and showed significant correlation with [Mg],
Potassium concentrations were also increased during warm and cold (4°C) acclimation, the increase being largest in warm-acclimated individuals.
The concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions showed relatively small changes during thermal acclimation. Calcium activity was found to be highest in warm and lowest in cold-acclimated snails.
Feeding increased the levels of potassium and calcium most significantly in the warm-acclimated group.
pH remained relatively constant in all groups.
