Die Aufnahme partikulärer Nahrung bei Reniera sp. (Porifera)

Abstract

The choanocyte chambers of the marine sponge Reniera sp. protrude with their curved outer surface free into the incurrent canals. The water is sucked into the chambers by cavities between the choanocytes. Particles up to 1 μm in diameter may enter the chambers with the water current. These particles are trapped on the outer surface of the choanocyte collars and are ingested by the choanocytes and processes of the pinacocyte epithelium of the incurrent canal system, which project into the chambers. Bigger particles are retained in the incurrent canals mainly on the outer surface of the choanocyte chambers. They are ingested by pinacocytes of the canal wall and transported to cells of the mesenchyme. The present investigation shows the great importance of the pinacocyte epithelium of the incurrent canal system for suspension feeding in Reniera sp. © 1985 Biologische Anstalt Helgoland.