Feeding spectrum of a dominant splash zone enchytraeid, Mesenchytraeus bungei Michaelsen, 1901 (Annelida: Oligochaeta), in Lake Baikal (East Siberia)

Abstract

The first data on feeding spectrum of Baikal enchytraeids are given. Previously we found that Mesenchytraeus bungei Michaelsen, 1901 dominates in abundance in splash zone Oligochaeta community of Bolshie Koty Bay, Lake Baikal. Feeding spectrum of M. bungei was investigated in summer (partially also in spring and autumn) of 2010–2012 and 2015. Our study is based on pellet content analyses of more than 200 M. bungei specimens. Diverse components in different ratio were found during the investigation period, namely green algae, diatoms, higher plants debris, various animal remains, some minor components and sediment particles. All the pellet content was subdivided into phytogenous and animal material, unidentified matter and sediment particles. Phytogenous material appeared to be a dominant component of pellets (up to 87%) in almost all cases. Our analysis showed that M. bungei is a saprophage with a preference to phytogenous detritus.

Keywords

• Feeding
• splash zone
• Enchytraeidae
• Mesenchytraeus bungei
• Lake Baikal