Further studies on the pressure tolerance of deep-sea crustacea,with observations using a new high-pressure trap

A deep-sea benthic trap is described with which amphipods (Tmetonyx cicada) were both collected and observed at their ambient pressure of 134 atm. T. cicada collected with decompression from the same depth and locality were more sensitive to subsequent recompression than those amphipods brought to the surface at their ambient pressure. T. cicada from 2700 m experience irreversible injury during decompression to atmospheric pressure. The pressure tolerance of the deep-sea mysid Gnathophausia zoea was measured and compared with the tolerance of mid-water decapods and the shallow-water Crangon crangon. G. zoea became more sensitive to high pressure with prolonged exposure to atmospheric pressure. Deep sea animals exhibit a tolerance to high pressure related to their normal ambient pressure; sensitivity to decompression is also related to normal ambient pressure.