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The feeding mechanisms of the ophiuroid Ophiocomina nigra

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

A. R. Fontaine
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada

Extract

The feeding mechanisms of Ophiocomina nigra have been re-examined. A new mechanism, the mucus-net method, is described for the first time. This is essentially a method of suspension feeding in which seston is trapped in a net of mucous threads between the arm spines. The entangled material is formed into boluses by simultaneous activities of ciliary currents and the tube-feet and is transported to the mouth by the tube-feet.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1965

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