Marine Biology

, Volume 159, Issue 5, pp 939–950 | Cite as

The effects of symbiotic state on heterotrophic feeding in the temperate sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima

Original Paper
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Abstract

The temperate sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima is facultatively symbiotic with unicellular algae. Symbiotic A. elegantissima can supplement heterotrophic feeding with excess photosynthate from their algal partners, while asymbiotic individuals must rely solely on heterotrophy. A. elegantissima individuals were collected from Swirl Rocks, Washington (48°25′6″ N, 122°50′58″ W) in July 2010, and prey capture and feeding characteristics were measured to determine whether asymbiotic individuals are more efficient predators. Feeding abilities were then measured again after a 3-week exposure to full sunlight or shaded conditions. Freshly collected asymbiotic anemones had larger nematocysts, but symbiotic individuals showed greater nematocyte sensitivity. Sunlight enhanced digestion and reduced cnida density in all anemones regardless of symbiotic state. Results suggest that the phototropic potential of A. elegantissima, as influenced by symbiotic condition, has little effect on heterotrophic capacity. The anemones appear to maximize heterotrophic energy input independent of the presence or identity of their algal symbionts.

Keywords

Adhesive Force Shade Treatment Digestion Time Ingestion Time Symbiotic Alga 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Notes

Acknowledgments

We thank G. Muller-Parker, J. Dimond, L. Francis, G. McKeen, N. Schwarck and M. Ponce-McDermott for laboratory assistance. Comments from D. Donovan, S. Strom, G. Ayres and two anonymous reviewers significantly improved the work. Funding was provided by Western Washington University and by National Science Foundation grant IOS-0935820.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Environmental SciencesWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamUSA
  2. 2.Oregon Institute of Marine BiologyCharlestonUSA

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