The mouthparts and feeding behaviour of two species of hermit crabs

Abstract

The mouthparts of P. novae-zealandiae and S. setosus are similar in construction, but differ in details of setation. These differences are related to particular feeding habits. S. Setosus is a suspension filter feeder, the antennae being modified to form sieves which actively sweep plankton from the water. Setation of the maxillipeds is modified for cleaning the antennae. Both species are detritus feeders and this is the major source of food for P. novae-zealandiae, the maxillipeds here bearing numerous stout setae with dentate margins. Neither species readily feeds on large food and it is suggested that S. setosus is less well adapted to do so.