Role of filter-feeding in the nutritional biology of a deep-sea mussel with methanotrophic symbionts

The ability of an undescribed deep-sea hydrocarbon-seep mussel which contains endosymbiotic methanotrophic bacteria to clear, ingest, and assimilate radiolabeled bacteria (Vibrio pelagicus and Escherichia coli ) and algae (Dunaliella tertiolecta ) was compared with that of the bay mussel Mytilus edu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine biology 1990-06, Vol.104 (2), p.251-257
Main Authors: PAGE, H. M, FISHER, C. R, CHILDRESS, J. J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Autoecology
Biological and medical sciences
Bivalvia
Chlorophyta
Dunaliella tertiolecta
Escherichia coli
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Marine
Mollusca
Mytilus edulis
Protozoa. Invertebrata
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Summary:The ability of an undescribed deep-sea hydrocarbon-seep mussel which contains endosymbiotic methanotrophic bacteria to clear, ingest, and assimilate radiolabeled bacteria (Vibrio pelagicus and Escherichia coli ) and algae (Dunaliella tertiolecta ) was compared with that of the bay mussel Mytilus edulis . The seep mussel, from the Louisiana Slope in the Gulf of Mexico, was slower to clear bacteria and algae than M. edulis . The seep mussel was somewhat less efficient in assimilating radiolabeled components from bacteria and algae than M. edulis . The dietary carbon requirement of the seep mussel could be met at 10 super(6) bacteria ml super(-1). At lower concentrations of particulate organic matter, filter feeding could be an important source of nitrogen and essential nutrients not supplied by the endosymbionts.
ISSN:0025-3162
1432-1793
DOI:10.1007/BF01313266