http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/34906716

Endobenthic predation by the nemertean Cerebratulus lacteus in soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) populations in Prince Edward Island

The milky ribbon worm, Cerebratulus lacteus (Nemertinea: Heteronemertini), has been identified as an important threat to soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) populations in Atlantic Canada. The biology of this species, particularly its predatory behavior, is still largely unknown. Field and laboratory studies were undertaken in Prince Edward Island, Canada, to better describe the relationship between C. lacteus and M. arenaria and determine the feasibility of control tools to reduce predation on soft-shell clam industry production. In the field, density and predation rate of C. lacteus were evaluated in relation to sediment manipulation: i) addition of shells and ii) use of a hydraulic rake. These were ineffective for reducing predation of soft-shell clams. In the laboratory, C. lacteus was confirmed as an efficient predator of M. arenaria. Analysis of clam size selection revealed no significant preference. A complementary set of experiments carried out to see if the sympatric polychaete Nereis virens would have any impact on the relationship between C. lacteus and M. arenaria, revealed no impact on C. lacteus predation on clams. Conversely, N. virens demonstrated a negative response to the presence of C. lacteus.

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