Grazing interactions between pulmonate snails and epiphytic algae and bacteria

Abstract

SUMMARY. 1. The effects of grazing by Lymnaca peregra and Planorbis planorbis on Ceratophyllum demersum epiphyton were investigated under simulated natural conditions.2. Grazing resulted in significant reductions in algal cell densities, number of algal taxa and in diversity. Grazing did not influence equi‐tabilily values.3. The use of Ivlev's Electivity index demonstrated positive and negative selection by feeding snails for large, pedunculate, and small, adnate algae, respectively.4. Inoculation of artificial surfaces revealed that 61.1% and 62.5% of the algal taxa presenl in the diet of L. peregra and P. planorbis, respectively (mainly the smaller species), were able to survive passage through the gut, resettle and grow.5. The results are discussed with particular reference to the survival strategies available to the epiphytes, and the possible mutual benefits which algae and snails may derive from coexistence.