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Interspecific and intraspecific variation of δ13C and δ15N in deposit- and suspension-feeding bivalves (Macoma balthica and Cerastoderma edule): evidence of ontogenetic changes in feeding mode of Macoma balthica
Rossi, F.; Herman, P.M.J.; Middelburg, J.J. (2004). Interspecific and intraspecific variation of δ13C and δ15N in deposit- and suspension-feeding bivalves (Macoma balthica and Cerastoderma edule): evidence of ontogenetic changes in feeding mode of Macoma balthica. Limnol. Oceanogr. 49(2): 408-414
In: Limnology and Oceanography. American Society of Limnology and Oceanography: Waco, Tex., etc. ISSN 0024-3590; e-ISSN 1939-5590, more
Peer reviewed article  
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Keywords
    Algae
    Aquatic communities > Benthos > Phytobenthos
    Aquatic communities > Plankton > Phytoplankton
    Behaviour > Feeding behaviour
    Biogeny > Ontogeny
    Composition > Chemical composition > Food composition
    Food webs
    Isotopes > Carbon isotopes
    Isotopes > Nitrogen isotopes
    Population dynamics
    Suspension
    Cerastoderma edule (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]; Macoma balthica (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
    ANE, Netherlands, Westerschelde [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
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Abstract
    Deposit and suspension feeders can switch feeding behavior and show variations in feeding mode as individuals pass through life-cycle stages. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were used to trace changes in diet of the tellinid bivalves M. balthica facultative deposit feeder) and C. edule (obligatory suspension feeder), according to their size class. Analyses of variance showed differences in the δ13C between the species. C. edule showed a diet composed of microphytoplankton, whereas M. balthica could feed on a mixed diet of microalgae from benthos and plankton. Values of δ13C depended significantly on body size in M. balthica, providing evidence of ontogenetic variation in diet with small juveniles feeding entirely on microphytobenthos, while there was a gradual tendency for larger sizes to feed more on microphytoplankton. Therefore, although these species rely on different sources of food, large animals of M. balthica can overlap the trophic niche of C. edule. Population dynamics of the animals should be considered in food-web studies.
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