THE POTENTIAL TROPHIC SIGNIFICANCE OF CALLIANASSA MAJOR FECAL PELLETS1

摘要: The trophic significance of the fecal pellets Callianassa major was investigated by measuring 1) rates at which material produced, 2) its organic carbon and nitrogen content, 3) ingestion other animals. Our results indicate that 456 ± 118 are produced per burrow day from 175 46 to 2,600 670 m−2 day−1, depending on population density, an entire C. occupying area about 200,000 m2 produces 280 × 106 pellets/day. contents were 3 0.3% their dry weight. Aging had no effect content but halved in 48 hr. Ingestion experiments indicated eaten hermit crabs, probably blue possibly several beach inhabitants. The used calculate rate is made available pellets, this compared production measurements for local primary producers. potential quantitative as a food source discussed.