Functional morphology and tube building in Nicomache lumbricalis (Maldanidae)

• Published in: Bulletin of marine science Vol. 67; no. 1; p. 655
• Main Authors: Bently, M G, Keefe, JA, Olive, PJW
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2000
• Subjects: Marine; Nicomache lumbricalis
• ISSN: 0007-4977

The maldanid polychaete Nicomache lumbricalis inhabits crevices on rocky shores. It is most commonly found in horizontal crevices that accumulate particulate matter, predominantly sand particles. Tube construction is a complex process that, in many tube building polychaetes, involves particle size selection and cementation. N. lumbricalis is able to utilize a considerable range (63 mu m-c.1 mm) of particle sizes in tube construction. Tubes are generally constructed with particles of between 106 mu m and 250 mu m). Smaller detrital particles are bound with mucus and ingested. Tube construction and feeding are facilitated by mucus production from the buccal cavity. Tube building is carried out by the selection and addition of particles to the anterior tube margin. The studies reported here were carried out on specimens collected from rocky shores in Northumberland (NE England) and Fife (E Scotland). Behavioral observations were made by placing individual worms in artificially created transparent perspex crevices with the crevice width being varied with the use of nylon spacers. Feeding activity was seen to involve the binding of detrital particles in mucus and its subsequent ingestion as a mucous "rope". Behavioral observations and particle size selection experiments were complemented by histochemical studies. Alcian blue staining revealed that the mucus secreting cells are located in the buccal region with the greatest abundance on the buccal palps. Mucus secreting cells for tube lubrication are located dorso-laterally in the anterior region of the worm.