Author: Greenfield, Leonard J.

Source: Bulletin of Marine Science, Volume 2, Number 3, 1952 , pp. 486-496(11)

Publisher: University of Miami - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

Abstract:

Monthly analyses of the glycogen and nitrogen content of Teredo (Lyrodus) pedicellata De Quatrefages were accomplished between July 1951 and May 1952. The average glycogen content of the shipworms over 25 mg. dry weight was found to be slightly above 30%. From 0 to 25 mg. dry weight, a steady increase in the percent concentration of this component was apparent. Increasing nitrogen content was observed in the smallest of the specimens until a maximum value of 2.17% occurred in the 10-14.9 mg. weight group. Sexual maturity of Teredo pedicellata was achieved in this weight group under the conditions observed.

No seasonal change in the nitrogen and glycogen content was noted, and there was no apparent difference in the concentration of these components between gravid and non-gravid individuals of the same size range.

A greater concentration of glycogen in the prenatal larvae than ill the free-swimming larvae was recorded. The possible significance of this is discussed.

The importance of wood used as a source of food in the diet of the organism was also studied. In addition to wood polysaccharide utilization, indications are that wood contains sufficient nitrogen to account for that found in Teredo pedicellata. Utilization of plankton as a source of nitrogen was also apparent. This was demonstrated by growing the shipworm in cellulose panels containing no nitrogen.

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Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1952-01-01

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