Absorption efficiencies of the intertidal mangrove dwelling mollusk Melampus coffeus LINNÉ and the rocky intertidal mollusk Acanthopleura granulata GMELIN

The absorption efficiencies of the intertidal mangrove dwelling mollusk Melampus coffeus and the rocky intertidal dwelling mollusk Acanthopleura granulata were calculated by a modification of CONOVER'S (1966) equation. M. coffeus tended to consume fresh mangrove leaves indicating that M. coffeus may obtain much of its energy from the actual substrate material rather than from associated bacteria and meiofauna on decaying leaves. Obtaining energy directly from the substrate may be a mechanism for M. coffeus to utilize its food source more efficiently. In contrast, chitons (A. granulata) may utilize the higher energy components of their limited intertidal microflora! food source. Using the high energy component of a food source may be an additional mechanism by which organisms efficiently utilize a food source.