THE DIGESTIVE TRACT AND ITS RELATION TO FEEDING HABITS IN THE STENOGLOSSAN PROSOBRANCH CORALLIOPHILA ABBREVIATA (LAMARK)

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Abstract
Coralliophila abbreviata is found on partly eroded colonies of Montastrea annularis in the coastal reefs of Barbados and contributes to the destruction of this coral. The habitat and feeding habits have been examined and a histological study has been made of the digestive system. Stomach and faecal material indicate that both the animal tissue and zooxanthellae are ingested. Enzyme tests demonstrate the presence of protein and carbohydrate digesting enzymes. Since this animal has no radula or jaws, it is thought that the muscular proboscis is used as a pump during the ingestion of food. The single salivary duct, formed from the ducts of the paired salivary glands, opens into the oral tube on the dorsal side of the mouth. It is suggested that its secretion may aid in penetration of the coral epidermis before ingestion begins.

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