Selective predation and caloric consumption by the siphonophore Rosacea cymbiformis in nature

Abstract

Individuals of the siphonophore Rosacea cymbiformis (Chiaje, 1822) were collected in surface waters of the Gulf of California during July/August 1978, off Southern California during May 1980, and in the Sargasso Sea during July 1979. Specimens were preserved within 30 min after capture, and the ingested prey in the gastrozooids were examined microscopically and identified to the closest practical taxon. Most gastrozooids (50 to 84%) contained recognizable prey organisms. The prey were primarily copepods, but crab zoeae, pelagic molluscs, juvenile shrimps and mysids were also commonly eaten. There were significant differences between the sizes and types of prey organisms that had been ingested and that were available in the environment of the siphonophores. Electivity indices for the prey demonstrated that the large and/or active prey were selected. The feeding selectivity exhibited by the siphonophores probably depends upon speed and diameter of the prey, which affect the frequency of contact with the siphonopore tentacles. Behavioral observations suggest that R. cymbiformis feeds primarily in the light. Digestion experiments indicate that most prey remain in the gastrozooids for 8 h or more before egestion. The caloric values of common prey types were derived from their length to dry weight regressions. The caloric consumption of R. cymbiformis during the 4 to 6 h feeding period following sunrise was estimated to be from 0.109 to 0.365 cal per gastrozooid; the daily caloric consumption was projected to be at least 2.4 to 8.2 times that required to balance metabolism.