Role of ascidians in the pelago-benthic coupling: assimilation, biodeposition and particle flux.

TATIAN, MARCOS ; GUILLERMO MERCURI; RICARDO SAHADE; VERÓNICA L. FUENTES; JULIETA C. ANTACLI; ALEXIA STELLFELDT

Berichte zur Polar-und Meeresforschung /Reports on Polar and Marine Research

Alfred Wegener Institute

Lugar: Bremerhaven; Año: 2008 vol. 571 p. 118 - 127

1618-3193

The focus of this study was to measure assimilation efficiencies of natural and provided seston (powdered macroalgae) by a series of experiments per­formed with one bivalve and two ascidian species. The aim was to reveal insights into the possible response of filter feeders to a food source other than phytoplankton. The mass-specific deposition rate was measured, as well as the C:N composition of deposits (feces) should make it possible to determine the contribution of suspension feeders to the particle flux near muddy bottoms in Potter Cove.