The physiology of digestion in marine mussels : a study in environmental adaptation

Abstract

The black mussel Choromytilus meridionalis (Krauss) forms an important link in the food chain of the South African west coast kelp beds, transferring energy from macrophyte debris, phytoplankton and bacteria to major predators such as the rock-lobster Jasus lalandii. Although a large body of work has been carried out on the physiology, energetics and population dynamics of the black mussel, no attempt has been made to link the actual food available in the field, with the animal's digestive capabilities. This work examines the carbon and nitrogen resources available from kelp debris, phytoplankton and bacteria, and quantifies the animal's ability to utilise these resources according to its needs.