Sponge and Faunal Association of the Brittle Star Ophiothrix suensonii (Echinodermata) at Cayos Cochinos, Honduras and the Feeding Postures and General Behavior of Mariametrid Feather Stars (Echinodermata) (In Vivo)

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

Echinoderm, Ophivroid, Crinoid, Feather Star, Brittle Star, Filter Feed, Filteration Feeding

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

Feather stars (Class: Crinoidea) and brittle stars (Class: Ophiuroidea) represent two classes of suspension-feeding echinoderms that are common to the reef environment. All crinoids are limited to suspension feeding, while ophiuroid brittle stars are capable of multiple feeding modes, including predation and deposit feeding. The crinoid filter is composed of an array of arms held in distinct postures that are dependent upon the species and ambient currents. Feeding postures in response to current flow and general behaviors were observed in laboratory conditions for the following Indo-Pacific mariametrid crinoids: Lamprometra palmata (M�ller, 1841), Lamprometra palamata (form brachypecha), Oxymetra sp. (Clark, 1909), and one unidentified Mariametrid. Specimens of Ophiothrix suenonii (L�tken, 1856), the sponge-dwelling brittle star, were studied in situ at the reef preserve of Cayos Cochinos, Honduras. The suspension and deposit feeding methods of this brittle star allow it to inhabit such organisms as gorgonian sea fans, hydrocorals, and sponges. This species shows a strong preference for the tube sponge, Callyspongia vaginalis (Lamarck, 1814) over all other available fauna. Ophiothrix suenonii occurred most frequently and in highest concentrations on this sponge and than all other substrate types occupied by the brittle star. The color morphs of O. suenonii were found to contrast their substrate for all site types.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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