On the nature and possible utility of epilithic detritus

✍ Scribed by P. Calow

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1975
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 322 KB
• Volume: 46
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1573-5141
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00043138

✦ Synopsis

Epilithic detritus is recognized as a rich and potentially useful form of detrital material in aquatic habitats . It forms an adherent cover to the light-shaded, under-sides of submerged stones . Compared with other aquatic detrital materials it was found to be rich in organic material, protein and total potential energy content . It probably represents a primary seral stage in community succession which is prevented from maturing further by the absence of light . The potential usefulness of epilithic detritus, as food to aquatic detrivores, is discussed .