under extended periods of starvation*

ABSTRACT. The results of quantitative and qualitative starvation experiments with Nausithoe aurea polyps in natural and artificial seawater were compared. For this study, Scyphistomae growing on stony coral debris in the São Sebastião Channel (Brazil) were sampled by SCUBA divers. The data obtained reinforce the hypothesis about rearing differences between natural and artificial seawater. Some polyps showed better results in natural seawater than those in artificial seawater, with the former but not the latter surviving until the end of the experiment (155 days). These results suggest that Coronatae polyps use dissolved organic matter, which contributes to the survival of Nausithoe aurea polyps. Du-ring the experiments, the reaction of individual scyphistoma to gentle stimulation with forceps in the middle part of the periderm tube was also observed