Body size and temperature effects on standard metabolic rate for determining metabolic scope for activity of the polychaete .

Considering the ecological importance and potential value of , a better understanding of its metabolic rate and potential growth rates is required. The aims of this study are: (i) to describe key biometric relationships; (ii) to test the effects of temperature and body size on standard metabolic rate (as measure by oxygen consumption) to determine critical parameters, namely Arrhenius temperature ( ), allometric coefficient () and reaction rate; and (iii) to determine the metabolic scope for activity (MSA) of for further comparison with published specific growth rates. Individuals were collected in a Mediterranean lagoon (France).