Feeding Behavior of Juvenile and Adult Marine Planktonic Copepods: Cyclopoida and Calanoida

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The morphology of the mouth parts of cyclopoid and calanoid copepods suggests great differences in feeding behavior between and among adults of these two orders. Differences should also be expected in their early stages because of basic differences in musculature in their respective nauplii, and they begin to feed at different stages. However, information as to how representatives of both groups obtain their food is limited, especially for marine cyclopoids. Feeding rate studies on two genera of cyclopoids (Oithonidae and Oncaeidae) emphasize that they are omnivorous/carnivorous. Feeding behavior of nauplii, juveniles and adult females of these two genera will be determined. Basic observations will include describing modes of particle gathering, capture and ingestion, distances from which food particles are perceived and swimming/moving behavior between captures. For comparison purposes, the same observations will be made on two species of calanoids (Centropages and Temora). The former creates weak feeding currents and is more carnivorous than herbivorous as adults. The latter creates stronger feeding currents and is more of a herbivore than a carnivore.