Brachyuran and anomuran decapod crabs do not occur in the extremely cold waters of the Antarctic continental shelf whereas caridean and other shrimp-like decapods, amphipods and isopods are highly abundant. Differing capacities for extracellular ion regulation, especially concerning magnesium, have been hypothesised to determine cold tolerance and by that the biogeography of Antarctic crustaceans. Magnesium is known to have a paralysing effect, which is even more distinct in the cold. As only few or no data exist on haemolymph ionic composition of Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic crustaceans, haemolymph samples of 12 species from these regions were analysed for the concentrations of major inorganic ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO4 2-) by ion chromatography. Cation relationships guaranteed neuromuscular excitability in all species. Sulphate and potassium correlated positively with magnesium concentration. The Antarctic caridean decapod as well as the amphipods maintained low (6-20% of ambient sea water magnesium concentration), Sub-Antarctic brachyuran and anomuran crabs as well as the Antarctic isopods high (54-96% of ambient sea water magnesium concentration) haemolymph magnesium levels. In conclusion, magnesium regulation may explain the biogeography of decapods, but not that of the peracarids.

Paralomis granulosa were obtained from local fishermen in Punta Arenas, Chile in April 2008. Ceratoserolis trilobitoides was sampled at stations PS69/603-5 (Latitude -70.5164, Longitude -8.8014, water depth -297) and PS69/654-1 (Latitude -61.3668, Longitude -56.0158, water depth -353). Glyptonotus antarcticus was sampled at stations PS69/605-3 (Latitude -70.5164, Longitude -8.8014, water depth -297 and PS69/678-1 (Latitude -62.3226, Longitude -60.4517, water depth -109).

Supplement to: Wittmann, Astrid; Held, Christoph; Pörtner, Hans-Otto; Sartoris, Franz-Josef (2010): Ion regulatory capacity and the biogeography of Crustacea at high southern latitudes. Polar Biology, 33(7), 919-928