Feeding in some Australasian Cymatiidae (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia)

Abstract

Of the four common Australasian cymatiids studied, Cabestana spengleri and Mayena australasia feed almost entirely on simple ascidians. Monoplex australasiae feeds on bivalves as well as on ascidians and Charonia rubicunda feeds on a variety of echinoderms. All species locate their prey by chemoreception of current born prey substances. Charonia rubicunda is a nocturnal predator while the other species feed almost continually.