ABSTRACT: Values of Holothuria tubulosa feeding rate
range over 1 order of magnitude [from 0.049 to 0.489 g dw
sediment h-') depending on individuals' size and environmental
conditions. Feeding rate is correlated with season (increase
of water temperature leads to increase of feeding rate)
and with the nycthemeral cycle (individuals being more
active at night). Feeding rate data allowed the yearly amount
of sediment reworked by the H. tubulosa population of the
Lacco Ameno seagrass bed to be calculated. Obtained values
differ ~n the lower and upper part of the meadow (5.9 and
12 9 kg dw sediment n1r2 yrr' respectively), according to local
differences in population structure, light and temperature