Laboratory culture and maintenance of the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus).
Often referred to as a living fossil, the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is one of the most-studied invertebrate animals in the world. It has served as a model in Nobel Prize-winning eye research, and researchers use a component of its blood to detect bacterial contamination in medical devices and drugs. The authors review the conditions necessary for housing these animals in the laboratory.
Smith
Stephen A
SA
Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Phase II, Duck Pond Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. stsmith7@vt.edu
Berkson
Jim
J
D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory / Q000254:growth & development; D005260:Female; D005580:Fossils; D006737:Horseshoe Crabs / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D012623:Seawater; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal