Interspecific and intraspecific variation of δ13C and δ15N in deposit- and suspension-feeding bivalves (Macoma balthica and Cerastoderma edule): evidence of ontogenetic changes in feeding mode of Macoma balthica
Rossi, F.; Herman, P.M.J.; Middelburg, J.J. (2004). Interspecific and intraspecific variation of δ13C and δ15N in deposit- and suspension-feeding bivalves (Macoma balthica and Cerastoderma edule): evidence of ontogenetic changes in feeding mode of Macoma balthica. Limnol. Oceanogr. 49(2): 408-414
In: Limnology and Oceanography. American Society of Limnology and Oceanography: Waco, Tex., etc. ISSN 0024-3590; e-ISSN 1939-5590, more
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| Keywords |
Algae
Aquatic communities > Benthos > Phytobenthos
Aquatic communities > Plankton > Phytoplankton
Behaviour > Feeding behaviour
Biogeny > Ontogeny
Composition > Chemical composition > Food composition
Food webs
Isotopes > Carbon isotopes
Isotopes > Nitrogen isotopes
Population dynamics
Suspension
Cerastoderma edule (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]; Macoma balthica (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
ANE, Netherlands, Westerschelde [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
Deposit and suspension feeders can switch feeding behavior and show variations in feeding mode as individuals pass through life-cycle stages. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were used to trace changes in diet of the tellinid bivalves M. balthica facultative deposit feeder) and C. edule (obligatory suspension feeder), according to their size class. Analyses of variance showed differences in the δ13C between the species. C. edule showed a diet composed of microphytoplankton, whereas M. balthica could feed on a mixed diet of microalgae from benthos and plankton. Values of δ13C depended significantly on body size in M. balthica, providing evidence of ontogenetic variation in diet with small juveniles feeding entirely on microphytobenthos, while there was a gradual tendency for larger sizes to feed more on microphytoplankton. Therefore, although these species rely on different sources of food, large animals of M. balthica can overlap the trophic niche of C. edule. Population dynamics of the animals should be considered in food-web studies. |
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