Prey capture in suspension feeders has previously been assumed to be based solely on particle size; however, recent studies indicate that similar-sized micron and submicron particles may be captured at different efficiencies and that interactions between surface properties of food particles and the feeding organ may have a significant effect on the capture efficiency. Amino sugars are common constituents on the cell surface of marine plankton. Their ability to interact with mucus lectins suggests they may have a role in food capture and selection in suspension feeders. We studied in situ modulation of capture efficiency of natural seston groups over several seasons in two groups of suspension feeders: mussels (Mytilus edulis and Geukensia demissa) and ascidians (Ciona intestinalis and Styela clava). In the laboratory, the same suspension feeders species were exposed to 0.3 -, 0.5 - and 1-µm polystyrene spheres uncoated or coated with the nonionic surfactant Poloxamer 188 (Pol) or the neoglycoprotein galactosamine-BSA (Gal). In most cases, pico-cyanobacteria were captured at a higher efficiency than larger nano-eukaryotic algae. Submicron Gal-coated microspheres were captured at a higher efficiency than uncoated or Pol-coated microspheres, reinforcing the concept that features other than size control feeding processes.  

Primary Presenter: Martina Capriotti, Univerisity of Connecticut (martina.capriotti12@gmail.com)

Authors:

Martina Capriotti, University of Connecticut  (martina.capriotti@uconn.edu)

Bridget Holohan, University of Connecticut  (bridget.holohan@uconn.edu)

Maria Rosa, Connecticut College  (mrosa@conncoll.edu)

Gitai Yahel, Ruppin Academic Center  (yahel@ruppin.ac.il)

Sandra Shumway, University of Connecticut  (sandra.shumway@uconn.edu)

Evan Ward, University of Connecticut  (evan.ward@uconn.edu)