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Filter feeding in the hermit crab : Pagurus bernhardus
S A Gerlach1, D K Ekstrøm1, P B Eckardt1
1Marine Biological Laboratory, Helsingør, Denmark.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
The hermit crab, Pagurus bernhardus, efficiently filters Artemia nauplii and unicellular algae from seawater. This study details their feeding mechanisms and adaptability to available food sources.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Crustacean Ecology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- The hermit crab, Pagurus bernhardus, is a common benthic marine invertebrate.
- Understanding its feeding strategies is crucial for marine ecosystem dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the filter-feeding capabilities of Pagurus bernhardus on Artemia nauplii and unicellular algae.
- To elucidate the mechanisms and structures involved in the filter-feeding process.
Main Methods:
- Experimental feeding trials with varying concentrations of Artemia nauplii and Dunaliella algae.
- Observation of crab behavior and manipulation of feeding appendages.
- Measurement of consumption rates and filtering efficiency.
Main Results:
- Pagurus bernhardus effectively removed Artemia nauplii from suspension within 1 hour.
- The crabs filtered Dunaliella algae at significant rates, with efficiency varying by exposure time.
- Specific maxilliped and maxillae structures were identified as key to filter-feeding.
Conclusions:
- Pagurus bernhardus exhibits versatile filter-feeding abilities, capable of consuming both animal prey and phytoplankton.
- The feeding mechanisms for suspension feeding likely share similarities with deposit feeding behaviors.
- This adaptability allows P. bernhardus to exploit seasonal food availability in benthic environments.
