Feeding behavior and general ecology of several spionid polychaetes from the chesapeake bay

摘要: The feeding behavior of six species spionid polychaetes (Paraprionospio pinnata (Ehlers), Polydora ligni Webster, Scolecolepides viridis (Verrill), Spiophanes bombyx (Claparede), Spio setosa Verrill, and Streblospio benedicti Webster) from the Chesapeake Bay was studied. All fed on both suspended (including resuspended) deposited particles increased their rate, as indicated by fecal production, in presence a current transporting particles. Although all have same anatomical structures for food gathering, wide variety particle collection behaviors observed. Palp movement patterns varied to well with size, habitat type collection, Factors not directly related are probably important understanding observed distributional patterns. Food availability competitive interactions affected small-scale movements individuals.