Sea ice algae have been widely discussed as a potential food source for pelagic and benthic animals in ice-covered waters, specifically in the light of current substantial changes in the Arctic ice regime. Stomach and gut contents of the Arctic nearshore lysianassid amphipod Onisimus litoralis sampled from February to May 2003 indicate that Arctic ice algae were dominant food no earlier than the onset of ice melt. Crustaceans, common prey in a previous study, were absent in stomachs and guts during the survey period. Our data support the concept that sea ice-derived organic carbon is of specific relevance for Arctic plankton and benthos during the period of ice melt.

Stomach content is given in relative frequency (% fields of view). Data extracted in the frame of a joint ICSTI/PANGAEA IPY effort, see http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.150150

Supplement to: Gradinger, Rolf; Bluhm, Bodil Annikki (2010): Timing of Ice Algal Grazing by the Arctic Nearshore Benthic Amphipod Onisimus litoralis. Arctic, 63(3), 355-356