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Field observations on the feeding behavior of salps (Tunicata: Thaliacea)

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Abstract

Observations of living salps by SCUBA diving in the Florida Current and Gulf of California (Mexico) indicate that they filter feed with a continuously renewed mucus net. Ninety-one percent of 1420 salps (6 species) examined were feeding in this manner. Particles collected range from about 1 mm to less than 1 μm. Compact fecal pellets appear to contain much undigested material and may carry significant amounts of carbon out of surface waters.

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  1. L. P. Madin

    Present address: Department of Zoology, University of California, Davis, California, USA

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    1. L. P. Madin
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    Communicated by J. Bunt, Miami

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    Madin, L.P. Field observations on the feeding behavior of salps (Tunicata: Thaliacea). Mar. Biol. 25, 143–147 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00389262

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00389262

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