XXXII.—On the Feeding Mechanism of the Fairy Shrimp, Chirocephalus diaphanus Prévost

Abstract

Chirocephalus diaphanus , the Fairy Shrimp, feeds on minute suspended particles and organisms that it separates from water currents produced by its limbs. According to Lundblad (1920, p. 41), in the closely similar form, Tanymastix stagnalis (L.), an orally directed current is produced along the mid-ventral line between the trunk limbs which actually carries food particles to the mouth, the current itself being produced by the sweeping action of the anteriorly directed basal parts of the proximal endites of the trunk limbs. According to Storch (1925a, p. 387), the particles are not carried forwards on a current but are swept forwards from limb to limb until they reach the mouth.