Feeding ecology of benthic filter-feeders at Potter Cove, an Antarctic coastal ecosystem

• Main Authors: Tatián, M., Sahade, R., Mercuri, G., Fuentes, V.L., Antacli, J.C., Stellfeldt, A., Esnal, G.B.
• Format: Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Antarctica; Assimilation; Cnemidocarpa verrucosa; Coupling; Filter-feeder; Laternula elliptica; Particle flux; Pyura setosa; benthos; coastal zone; community dynamics; estimation method; feeding ecology; filter feeder; food availability; phytoplankton; primary production; sedimentation; King George Island; Potter Cove; South Shetland Islands; Ascidia; Ascidiacea; Bivalvia; Antarc*; Antarctic
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12110/paper_07224060_v31_n4_p509_Tatian

A rich benthic filter-feeding community is present at Potter Cove, South Shetland, in spite of some usually unfavorable conditions affecting their feeding ecology, such as low phytoplankton production in summer and high sedimentation rates. However, organic material that could fuel the benthic system, such as macroalgal fragments, was detected in the water-bottom interface year-round. Mean assimilation efficiency of several sizes of macroalgal particles under different inorganic particulate percentages varied between 26-51% in a clam, and 26-72% in two ascidian species. Estimated particle flux (feces) produced by ascidians varied according to species and abundance. The C:N ratio of feces was relatively high. Plasticity and profit from the available food sources contribute to the success of the filter-feeding community in Potter Cove. © 2007 Springer-Verlag. Fil:Fuentes, V.L. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Fil:Esnal, G.B. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina.