Abstract
The South American sun-star, Heliaster helianthus, is capable of adopting both the extraoral and intraoral mode of feeding. Observations were made on the feeding activities of H. helianthus in an intertidal habitat in central Peru. The proportion of individuals engaged in intraoral feeding was high amongst small H. heliunthus of less than 14 cm in diameter and gradually declined in larger size classes. Extraoral feeders had significantly larger meal sizes (total prey biomass) than intraoral feeders in all the size categories of H. heliunthus. Extraoral feeders also consumed larger individuals of the most important prey species, Semimytilus algosus, than intraoral feeders. The advantages and disadvantages of the two feeding modes are discussed and the meaning of the dual foraging tactics in H. helianthus is considered.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.