Little is known about how marine invertebrates use sound to feed. Invertebrates usually scavenge for their food using chemical cues produced during the decomposition of organic matter. However, many marine invertebrates have specialized mechanoreceptors know as chordotonal organs, that enable them to detect vibrations associated with sound. There are circumstances where these organs may alert invertebrates to potential food sources. For example, a deep-sea shrimp species (Pandalus boreali) may be able to detect food falling to the seafloor with its chordotonal organs. The impact of a sinking carcass coming in contact with the seafloor may create vibrations that could clue the shrimp to the possibility of a newly available food source. Once alerted to this possibility, the shrimp may then be able to use chemical cues to locate the food.

Deep-sea Shrimp, Pandalus borealis, may use hydroacoustic signals to detect falling food. Photo courtesy of Erling Svensen

Similar to sounds produced by feeding fishes, marine invertebrates produce stridulatory sounds while feeding. These sounds are made by the movement of appendages or mouth parts used while feeding. Sounds produced while feeding may be detected by other marine organisms alerting them to the possibility of a near by food source.

References
• Klages, M. Muyakshin, S. Soltwedel, T. and Arntz, W.E. 2002. Mechanoreception, a possible mechanism for food fall detection in deep-sea scavengers. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers 49(1): 143-155.
• Schrope, M. 2002. Deep-Sea Creatures Hear Food Coming. Discovery News. January 28, 2002.

For more information on how other marine animals use sound when feeding, use the following links:
Marine Mammals	Fish	Invertebrates