Respiration Rates and Biovolumes of Common Benthic Foraminifera (Protozoa)

The respiration rates of five genera of benthic Foraminifera were determined by Cartesian diver microrespirometry. Across all genera studied, the rate averaged 11.3x10-3 μl O2individual-1. ’at 10°C. Estimates of foraminiferal mean biovolumes ranged from 0.66 to 6.54x10 μm, giving an overall mean volume-specific respiration rate of 7.36x10-9 μl O2h-1 μm-3. For non-symbiont-bearing Foraminifera, in general, volume-specific rates (log μl 02h-1 μm) are best described by the equation, -0.98 x (log cell biovolume, μm) - 2.01. The respiration results show that these benthic Foraminifera respire some ten times more rapidly than naked amoebae of equivalent size. The combination of high respiratory rates and the often large standing stocks of Foraminifera encountered, suggests that these organisms may contribute significantly to total microbial benthic respiration. © 1994, Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. All rights reserved.