Palatability and nutritional quality of marine invertebrates in a sub-Arctic fjord

Abstract

To investigate the palatability of abundant sub-Arctic sessile or sluggish invertebrates and their value as a food source, in situ experiments with natural consumer assemblages were performed in the Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen). These experiments were complemented with quantitative laboratory assays, using a generalist predatory starfish. Feeding preference and avoidance reactions were similar in both assays. Natural assemblages of predators in situ rejected nine out of ten species tested, and 12 out of 16 species were rejected in laboratory assays, indicating a high percentage of unpalatable invertebrates. Results were compared to the biochemical composition of the investigated species to see whether palatability and feeding preferences coincide with nutritional quality of the prey. Although nutritional quality, expressed as protein, lipid, nitrogen, carbon and water content, may account for some of the feeding preferences found, no overall relationship between nutritional value and palatability or feeding preferences was detected.