Changes in feeding mechanisms during early ontogeny in juveniles of Crepidula fecunda (Gastropoda, Calyptraeidae)

摘要: Feeding in early life stages of the sedentary snail Crepidula is effected both by use radula and filtering with gill. The present study a contribution to knowledge mechanisms feeding juvenile snails fecunda. Experimental observations were made on specimens known ages as they fed constant concentrations microalgae presence primary biological film glass substrate. activity was filmed under microscope, images digitized for identification quantification structures. A morphological analysis structures associated this process. Results showed that functional beginning 1-day-old juveniles, gill functioned respiration. Gill function filter-feeding began juveniles 9 days old when dorsal ventral ciliation had developed, well food pouch. latter structure begins soon starts collection. Osphradia appeared simultaneous development filter capacity In their earliest after metamorphosis, young begin radular scraping biofilms, gradually shifting developed critical number filaments cilia.