Abstract
Regular sea urchins of the families Cidaridae and Echinidae are widespread and sympatrically occurring epibenthic species in Antarctic waters. Food preference and water depth distribution of the five most abundant species (Ctenocidaris gigantea, C. spinosa, Notocidaris mortenseni, Sterechinus antarcticus, S. neumayeri) were analysed based on trawl and photograph samples. Both diet and water depth contribute to niche separation among these species. All sea urchins consume bryozoans and sediment, but echinids feed predominantly on diatoms in the fluff, when available. Cidarids do not consume diatoms, most likely owing to morphological constraints; their typical food consists of sponges and hydroids. C. spinosa and S. neumayeri prefer shallow water depths, whereas N. mortenseni and S. antarcticus prefer deeper regions. C. gigantea is the most variable species regarding food composition and living depth.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
