An organism that obtains all of its food in the form
of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM). Many species of macro invertebrates
in the river are filter feeders. Many possess specialized organs for
doing so. For example, brush-like hairs around the mouth and forelegs
facilitate this kind of feeding behavior in Isonychia bicolor, a species
of mayfly. Other species of Ephemeroptera employ intricate nest building
in the sandy deposits behind rocks, while most Trichoptera (caddis flies)
build silk webs to trap FPOM. Clams, oysters, and a wide variety of
coral reef organisms also feed in this fashion.
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