Sullivan, B.K. (1980). In situ feeding behavior of Sagitta elegans and Eukrohnia hamata (Chaetognatha) in relation to the vertical distribution and abundance of prey at Ocean Station 'P'. Limnology and Oceanography. 25(2):317-326.

115608

Sullivan, B.K.

1980

25(2):317-326.

Publication

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The feeding behavior and diet in nature are described for two species of chaetognaths in an open ocean community. Sngittn elegcrns lives and feeds primarily in the lIpperupper water column (O-25 m) and the vertical distribution of this species may he explained primarily by its requircmcnt of high prey densities. Eukrolanicl hnnmtcr apparently needs less food and is found mainly below the mixed layer with a vertical distribution restricted by temperature. The same prey species, those with the highest dcnsitics at Station “I’,” make up the cliet of both chaetognaths, although Eukrohnicl cats significantly more small prey. The major prey of juvenile chaetognaths (numerical frcqucncy) are small cyclopoid copepods, a group frcqllently overlooked in plankton sl~rvcys. These spccics also comprise 41% of the diet of older chaetognaths, which prey in addition on stage V copcpoditcs of the largest copepods. It is suggested that the development of larval chaetognaths depends on abundant,ablmdant, small prey lxlt that older chaetognaths can handle prey of a very wide spectrum of sizes,sizes.

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