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Observations on the behaviour of Thalassema thalassemum (echiura: echiuridae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 October 2019

L.A. Nickell  and
R.J.A. Atkinson
L.A. Nickell
Affiliation:
Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, PO Box 3, Oban, Argyll, Scotland, PA34 4AD
R.J.A. Atkinson
Affiliation:
University Marine Biological Station, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland, KA28 OEG
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Abstract

The echiuran worm Thalassema thalassemum (Echiura: Echiuridae), is a deposit-feeder which uses its proboscis to collect sediment particles for ingestion. The proboscis is highly extensible and is used with dorsal surface downwards to skim particles from the sediment surface. Alternatively, the distal portion of the proboscis is arched over and the ventral surface of the tip is held against the sediment surface where ciliary movement facilitates particle collection. These methods are used in combination and collected material is moved back along the proboscis, the edges of which are rolled to form a closed tube. Burrows appear to be U-shaped with one predominantly inhalant and one exhalant opening. Faecal pellets are periodically ejected forming small mounds around exhalant openings and mean rates of 1·83 and 2·80 g dry wt d−1 were measured suggesting that, in sufficient densities, this species could make a significant contribution to macrofaunal bioturbation.

Type
Short Communications
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 74 , Issue 4 , November 1994 , pp. 963 - 966
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1994

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