Observations on the adhesion of the calcareous tube of Pomatoceros lamarckii and the holdfast of Laminaria digitata

The attachment to substrata of the tubes of Pomatoceros lamarckii and the haptera of Laminaria digitata was examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Tenacity was measured for the tubes of P. lamarckii and the haptera of L. digitata. Mean tenacities of 24.75 x 10⁵ N.m^‐2 and > 4.22 x 10⁵ N.m^‐2 respectively were recorded. Evidence of the capability of both organisms to conform exactly to the contour of the substratum, coupled with the measured tenacities, lead to the conclusion that both adhere to substrata by mechanical means.

Key words:

• Pomatoceros
• Laminaria, tenacity
• adhesion
• attachment

Notes

Present address: Bwlch y Fron, Gaerwen, Anglesey, Gwynedd LL60 6DT, UK