The effects of in situ turbulence on the behavior of the predatory ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi

Sean Colin, Roger Williams University, Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Bristol, United States, Nicholas Bezio, Roger Williams University, Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Bristol, RI, United States, Jack Costello, Providence College, Biology Department, Providence, RI, Cornelia Jaspers, Technical University of Denmark, Centre for Gelatinous Plankton Ecology & Evolution, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark and Brad Gemmell, University of South Florida, Integrative Biology, Tampa, United States
Abstract:
Most of our understanding of the feeding mechanics of the lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi is based on laboratory experiments with artificially calm conditions because field conditions are seldom as calm as the laboratory. We conducted both laboratory experiments with artificial turbulence and in situ particle image velocimetry (PIV) analyses to evaluate the effects of natural turbulence on the feeding behavior of M. leidyi. We found that even the lowest levels of natural turbulence degraded the feeding current of M. leidyi beyond the tips of the oral lobes. However, both laboratory and field behavioral analyses indicate that M. leidyi alters its swimming behavior in turbulence and is capable of feeding under most turbulence conditions observed.
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