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An analysis of a specialized feeding mechanism of the spined loach, Cobitis taenia (L.), and a description of the related structures
Author(s) -
Robotham P. W. J.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1982.tb03918.x
Subject(s) - biology , taenia , gill , anatomy , mucus , zoology , fish <actinopterygii> , ecology , fishery , helminths
Aquarium observations and gut analyses of the spined loach, Cobitis taenia , suggested the use of a technique by which small items of food could be removed from an almost constant stream of substrate, taken in through the mouth and passed out through the gills. The small amount of indigestible substrate present in the gut contents indicated a very high efficiency level for the process. Photographic investigation revealed a two phased feeding cycle based on the respiratory pumps, consisting of an induction/separation phase and an expulsion/swallowing phase. A morphological study showed large concentrations of mucus secreting goblet cells on the roof of the anterior buccopharyngeal cavity. Other morphological adaptations were noted which resulted in a narrowing of the anterior buccal cavity and a widening of the posterior part along with an increase in the distance between the gill rakers. In the light of this information a method of separation based on differential densities of particles being trapped in a constant stream of mucus is postulated.