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Capture of Large Particles by Suspension-Feeding Scaleworm Larvae (Polychaeta: Polynoidae)
The Biological Bulletin
|December 9, 2017
Summary
Polynoid polychaete larvae use a unique feeding mechanism, capturing larger particles with their oral brush. This contrasts with the opposed-band method used by other larvae, suggesting diverse feeding strategies in polychaetes.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Larval Ecology
Background:
- Most studied polychaete larvae use an opposed-band feeding mechanism with ciliary bands and a food groove.
- Many planktotrophic polychaete larvae, including polynoids, lack a metatroch and food groove, necessitating alternative feeding strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feeding mechanism of polynoid polychaete larvae.
- To compare particle capture size and feeding behavior with other polychaete larvae.
Main Methods:
- Feeding experiments using polystyrene beads and plankton.
- High-speed video recording of larval feeding behavior.
- Microscopic analysis of particle capture and ingestion.
Main Results:
- Polynoid larvae (Arctonoe vittata) ingested significantly larger particles (up to 60 μm) than serpulid larvae (up to 12 μm).
- Larval capture behavior involved disengaging particles near the episphere using a recoiling motion.
- Particles were likely transported to the mouth by the specialized oral brush.
Conclusions:
- Polynoid polychaete larvae possess a distinct feeding mechanism involving an oral brush for capturing large particles.
- This feeding strategy may be common within the Aphroditacea superfamily, impacting our understanding of polychaete diversity.
