Copepod feeding currents: flow patterns, filtration rates and energetics

Particle image velocimetry was used to construct a quasi 3-dimensional image of the flow generated by the feeding appendages of the calanoid copepod Temora longicornis. By scanning layers of flow, detailed information was obtained on flow velocity and velocity gradients. The flow around feeding T. longicornis was laminar, and was symmetrical viewed dorsally, but highly asymmetrical viewed laterally, with high levels of vorticity on the ventral side. The flow rate through the feeding appendages varied between 77 and 220 ml day(-1) per individual. The morphology of the flow field ensured that water was entrained over the full length of the first antennae. These were kept out of areas with high velocity gradients that could interfere with distant mechano- or chemoreception. The volume of influence, i.e. the volume of water around the foraging copepod, where shear rates were significantly higher than background levels, was calculated. Implications for encounter probability and mechanoreception are discussed. The average rate of energy dissipation within the copepod's volume of influence is several times higher than the levels of turbulent energy dissipation these animals are likely to encounter in their environment. Even in highly turbulent environments, adult T. longicornis will not experience very significant effects of turbulence. Within the volume of influence of the copepods the energy dissipation due to viscous friction varied between 6.6x10(-11) and 2.3x10(-10) W. Taking mechanical efficiency and muscle efficiency into account, this results in a total energetic cost of the feeding current of 1.6x10(-9) W per copepod. This value represents only a small percentage of the total energy budget of small calanoid copepods.