Hemolymph parameters as physiological biomarkers for monitoring the effects of fishing and commercial maintenance methods in Squilla mantis (Crustacea, Stomatopoda)

The mantis shrimps Squilla mantis (Linnaeus, 1758) is an economically important species and is the only stomatopod to be fished for on a commercial scale in the Mediterranean. The stress effects of its capture method (trap and trawl) and of the post capture simulated storage of live animals at market conditions were assessed in two different seasons by measuring stress-related physiological parameters. A panel of biochemical (l-lactate, glucose, total protein) and immunological (total hemocyte counts) parameters were utilized. A multivariate approach was used to define the effect of the two different fishing methods and progression in the storage condition of cage-caught S. mantis. The fishing gear used had a clear impact on mortality and on the percentage of injuries that were significantly higher in animals coming from trawling. Seasons of catch influenced the physiology status with a negative effect recorded in June. Shelf storage on ice is detrimental compared with exposure to moist refrigerated air. The information obtained may be used to define best practices on methods of capture, handling of mantis shrimps.