Feeding and Digestion in the Tropical Sea Urchin Diadema antillarum Philippi
Lewis J. 1964. Feeding and Digestion in the Tropical Sea Urchin Diadema antillarum Philippi. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 2:549 - 557
Diadema antillarum Philippi feeds principally upon algae. Feeding activity is greatest during the afternoon and early evening and food passes through the gut in 8-12 hours. Because of the considerable amount of calcium carbonate ingested with its food, the species is of importance as an erosive agent on reefs. Enzymes for the digestion of carbohydrates with α glucoside and β glucoside linkages are present in the gut. Secretion of carbohydrases takes place in the caecum. Proteases are secreted by the caecum and foregut. A weak lipase is present. The histology of the digestive tract is described.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Lewis, John
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- Algae, Diet, Digestive system, Food, Physical, Physiology