Energetics of mucus production in the common whelk Buccinum undatum L.

Abstract

Pedal and hypobranchial mucus production of the common whelk Buccinum undatum L. were measured at three different temperatures (8.2, 10.5 and 15 °C). Pedal mucus production at 8.2 °C was significantly lower from that at 10.5 °C, but similar to that at 15 °C. In contrast hypobranchial mucus production at 8.2 °C was significantly higher than that at 10.5 °C but again similar to that at 15 °C. At all temperatures whelks produced more hypobranchial than pedal mucus. Food consumption was measured, and from this it was determined that ≈27.5% of the total energy intake appeared as mucus production (pedal + hypobranchial). Other studies on gastropod mucus energetics are reviewed, and possible sources of error in the determination of mucus energetics are discussed.