Nemátfed

Nemátfed is a term used in nematology to describe a proposed feeding strategy by nematodes in which energy and nutrients are obtained from a mixed diet that includes microbial biofilms, detritus, and other microhabitat resources. The concept emphasizes feeding behavior and ecological flexibility rather than a fixed taxonomic group, and it is typically discussed in the context of soil and sediment ecosystems.

Etymology and interpretation: The word combines nemát-, a form related to nematodes, with fed, signaling a focus on feeding. In some discussions, nemátfed denotes an omnivorous or opportunistic niche that does not map cleanly onto established categories such as bacterivory or fungivory. It may also be used to describe nematodes that switch among microbial and detrital food sources depending on availability.

Usage and status: Nemátfed has appeared primarily in informal glossaries, workshop notes, and speculative syntheses rather than in formal taxonomic or trophic-niche classifications. As of 2025, there is no widely accepted diagnostic criterion for nemátfed, and researchers typically describe feeding behavior using standard categories or through gut-content and isotopic analyses.

Relationship to related terms: It is related to, but distinct from, bacterivory, fungivory, and predatory nematode feeding. Some authors view nemátfed as a broad umbrella for flexible feeders. Future empirical work may determine whether it warrants formal recognition within nematology. See also: nematode, bacterivore, fungivore, omnivory, predatory nematode, soil ecology.