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Aspects of the feeding biology of the fanworm Bispira volutacornis (Polychaeta: Sabellidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 April 2003

Róisín Nash  and
Brendan F. Keegan
Róisín Nash
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Martin Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Brendan F. Keegan
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Martin Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Abstract

The detail of the characteristic double whorled branchial crown of the tubiculous polychaete Bispira volutacornis, with its internal skeleton of large vacuolated cells and ciliated radioles, is consistent with the feeding apparatus of sabellids at large. Studies show that ingested particulate matter has at least one dimension less than 15 μm. Feeding seems to be most readily accommodated at current speeds from 1 cm s−1 to 3 cm s−1 with the crown apex angled downstream. Particulate matter passes through the alimentary canal in 7·7 h at 14°C, for an average sized specimen of 97 segments. Whilst the tube provides protection against predatory fish and crustaceans (with ample evidence of sub-lethal cropping of the branchial crown), it also has a role in irrigation and respiration. The worm will retreat within the tube when current flow exceeds 8·7 cm s−1.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 83 , Issue 3 , June 2003 , pp. 453 - 456
Copyright
2003 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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