An optimization study on the feeding behavior of Luldia clathrata say (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)
Title:
An optimization study on the feeding behavior of Luldia clathrata say (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)
Author:
McClintock, J. B. Lawrence, J. M.
Appeared in:
Marine & freshwater behaviour & physiology
Paging:
Volume 7 (1981) nr. 4 pages 263-275
Year:
1981
Contents:
The rates of feeding, behavioral responses to changes in prey density, selection for different sizes of prey, and field activity patterns of the starfish Luidia clathrata lend support to the predictions of optimal feeding theory. Rates of location, ingestion, and digestion of prey were high. Individuals offered different densities of prey showed a strong functional response. Individuals presented with different sizes of prey chose the smaller sizes. This selective behavior may be related to ease of manipulation, available stomach area, or maximal food intake per unit time. In the field Luidia clathrata exhibited one peak of activity at dusk, although there was never one hundred percent activity or inactivity at any time. It is not known if this diurnal pattern is caused by patterns in prey or predator, although the former is unlikely as L. clathrata feeds on infauna. The “time buried” during the inactive period in L. clathrata may be related to the period of digestion.
Journal description