ENERGETICS OF MUCUS PRODUCTION IN THE COMMON WHELK BUCCINUM-UNDATUM L

Pedal and hypobranchial mucus production of the common whelk Buccinum undatum L. were measured at three different temperatures (8.2, 10.5 and 15-degrees-C). Pedal mucus production at 8.2-degrees-C was significantly lower from that at 10.5-degrees-C, but similar to that at 15-degrees-C. In contrast hypobranchial mucus production at 8.2-degrees-C was significantly higher than that at 10.5-degrees-C but again similar to that at 15-degrees-C. At all temperatures whelks produced more hypobranchial than pedal mucus. Food consumption was measured, and from this it was determined that almost-equal-to 27.5% of the total energy intake appeared as mucus production (pedal + hypobranchial). Other studies on gastropod mucus energetics are reviewed, and possible sources of error in the determination of mucus energetics are discussed.