Abstract
Picophytoplankton (PPP) may contribute to the bulk of primary production in nutrient-rich marine ecosystems. In this study, we quantified the capacity of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and clubbed tunicates (Styela clava) to exploit PPP. In the water, we introduced PPP cells that were isotopically labelled with 13C and using the same enrichment approach, we measured the secondary transfer (recycling) of carbon via the assimilation of pseudofeces and feces. Results show that both M. edulis and S. clava assimilate PPP carbon by ingesting PPP cells directly from water. In addition, PPP assimilation rates were similar in both species. Most interesting was our observation that both species assimilated PPP carbon contained in pseudofeces and feces, including large fecal pellets produced by S. clava. We conclude that within cultured and invasive filter feeders, PPP carbon is recycled via ingestion of feces and pseudofeces among individuals growing in close proximity. In aquaculture settings, cultured bivalves and fouling tunicates may provide an ecological service by removing excess PPP in nutrient-rich systems via direct and secondary ingestion.
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.