Feeding of Oysters in Relation to Density of Microorganisms

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Abstract
The effect of diff. cones. of microorganisms upon the rate of water pumping and, therefore, feeding of oysters, is descr. There are rather definite concs, above which the density of the organisms interferes with the feeding of oysters. These concs, corresp. to about 2,000,000 Chlorella, 70,000 Nitzchia, and 3,000 Euglena/ml. of water. Above these concs. little or no food is swallowed, and the oysters become sluggish. The microorganisms accumulate in the gills and mantle chamber and adaptations to get rid of them are set up. The amts. of pseudofeces formed are roughly proport. to the amts. of plankton present, and large amts. of pseudofeces are an index of unfavorable conditions. Oysters seem to feed most efficiently when the water contains small quantities of suspended matter.
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