of energy a crustacean gets from the sun varies and depends on the species and its specific lifestyle. Crustaceans are primarily consumers within aquatic ecosystems, which means they obtain energy by consuming other organisms rather than directly from the sun. Some crustaceans, such as herbivorous species like freshwater crayfish, may consume plants and algae that obtain energy from the sun through photosynthesis. However, the majority of crustaceans, including many marine species like crabs and lobsters, are carnivorous or omnivorous, feeding on other animals or organic matter. Therefore, the energy obtained by crustaceans from the sun indirectly through the food chain is relatively low compared to primary producers (plants and algae) which directly utilize solar energy through photosynthesis.
What percent
of energy a crustacean gets from the sun is difficult to determine, as it is not their primary source of energy. However, it can be estimated that the direct energy obtained from the sun by crustaceans through consuming plants and algae is relatively low, likely less than 5% of their total energy intake. The majority of energy for crustaceans is obtained through consuming other organisms, such as detritus, plankton, or other animals. Their energy ultimately comes from the sun, but it is transformed through various levels of the food chain before reaching crustaceans.
