High stability in filtration apparatus of African shrimp

Specialized spatially-arranged non-circular fibers enhance filtration performance of African shrimp (Atya gabonensis)

“…We raise 10 living African shrimp in a tank (figure 1(a)), with their chelae covered with dense filter fibers (setae) (figure 1(b)) that exhibit distinctive cross-sectional characteristics and spatial arrangement [40] (figures 1(c)-(e)). Considering that the cross-sectional characteristics and arrangement of fibers play crucial roles in their filtration performance [25,[27][28][29][30], the African shrimp's superior filtration performance may be related to its specified fiber cross-sectional characteristics and arrangement pattern [38,39].…”

“…The primary characteristic that sets the African shrimp fiber apart from others is the thickening of the wall along one side of the elliptical cross-section, as illustrated in figure 2(a) [40]. To quantify the impact of increased wall thickness on the cross-sectional characteristics of fibers, we calculate the fiber noncircularity under various thickening conditions based on equations ( 6) and (7).…”

“…After analysis, we observe a notable influence of the African shrimp's fiber cross-sectional wall thickness increment ∆a on the non-roundness of the fibers (figure 2(b)), highlighting its significant impact on the cross-sectional characteristics. Recent studies indicate that alterations in the cross-sectional characteristics of African shrimp fibers have a pronounced effect on their mechanical properties [40]. Nonetheless, the intrinsic connections between the fiber cross-sectional characteristics and the filtration performance remain ambiguous.…”

“…In our earlier investigation, we employed microscopic imaging and computer tomography scanning techniques to observe the distinctive fibers (setae) on the chelae of African shrimp. These unique fibers exhibit notable cross-sectional characteristics and an intricate three-dimensional spatial arrangement [40]. Specifically, the fiber arrangement involves a staggered and twisted pattern (with average staggering distances ∆x = 20 µm, ∆y = 55 µm, ∆z=45 µm, and twist angle θ =3 • -5 • ).…”

“…These characteristics are exclusive to African shrimp. Previous studies have shown that these features greatly enhance the mechanical performance of fibers [40] and may also be a crucial factor in the efficient filter-feeding of African shrimp, making them highly valuable for further research. However, as of now, the collection mechanism of the African shrimp's filter fibers remains unknown.…”