Hidden predators on coral reefs: muricid consumption of vermetids

Predators, through their effects on prey densities, sizes, and behaviors, can shape ecological communities. Thus, quantitative assessments of predator−prey relationships are key to understanding these effects. Here, we documented the patterns and processes underlying the effects of 2 predatory muricid gastropods, Mancinella armigera and Menathais tuberosa, on the sessile vermetid gastropod Ceraesignum maximum. We used a combination of field surveys and manipulative lab and field experiments to quantify muricid abundances, predator feeding rates, and effects of predator density on vermetid mortality. The 2 predators exhibited spatial segregation, with M. armigera being more common close to the reef crest and M. tuberosa increasing in density away from and shoreward of the reef crest. We demonstrated that recently killed vermetids were more common in the vicinity of M. armigera. Laboratory assays revealed that M. armigera killed 0.55 C. maximum predator−1 d−1, a rate that was ~60% greater than for M. tuberosa. Although the 2 predators were spatially segregated in the field, they did not demonstrate interference competition or intraguild predation in the lab. Consumption rates of C. maximum by M. armigera in the field were approximately equal to those quantified in the lab, and although consumption rates decreased over time, predator density had no effect on predator consumption rate. In addition, we observed no evidence of size selectivity by predators. This study is the first to quantitatively examine predator−prey interactions involving C. maximum, and our findings suggests that muricids can limit vermetid populations where both are present.

• Publication year

  2019

• Venue

  Marine Ecology Progress Series

• Publication date

  2019-04-18

• Fields of study

  Biology, Geography, Environmental Science

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.3354/MEPS12920
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

• When environmental factors become stressors: interactive effects of vermetid gastropods and sedimentation on corals

  2017cited by this paper
• Mass mortality of the vermetid gastropod Ceraesignum maximum

  2016cited by this paper
• Fitting Linear Mixed-Effects Models Using lme4

  2014cited by this paper
• Death and life: Muricid snails consume the vermetid gastropod, Dendropoma maximum, and use empty shells for reproduction

  2014cited by this paper
• Selectivity by planktivorous fish at different prey densities, heterogeneities, and spatial scales

  2014cited by this paper
• Emergent effects of multiple predators on prey survival: the importance of depletion and the functional response.

  2012cited by this paper
• Predator Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci) Outbreak, Mass Mortality of Corals, and Cascading Effects on Reef Fish and Benthic Communities

  2012cited by this paper
• The vermetid gastropod Dendropoma maximum reduces coral growth and survival

  2010influential reference
• Predator diversity and ecosystem functioning: density modifies the effect of resource partitioning.

  2008cited by this paper
• The influence of intraguild predation on prey suppression and prey release: a meta-analysis.

  2007cited by this paper
• Herbivore vs. nutrient control of marine primary producers: context-dependent effects.

  2006cited by this paper
• Predation, habitat complexity, and variation in density-dependent mortality of temperate reef fishes.

  2006cited by this paper
• Detecting emergent effects of multiple predator species

  2006cited by this paper
• A REVIEW OF TRAIT-MEDIATED INDIRECT INTERACTIONS IN ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

  2003cited by this paper
• Multi-predator effects across life-history stages: non-additivity of egg- and larval-stage predation in an African treefrog

  2003cited by this paper
• Competition between macroalgae and corals: effects of herbivore exclusion and increased algal biomass on coral survivorship and growth

  2001cited by this paper
• Emergent impacts of multiple predators on prey.

  1998cited by this paper
• Perturbation and Resilience: A Long-Term, Whole-Lake Study of Predator Extinction and Reintroduction

  1995cited by this paper
• Catastrophes, Phase Shifts, and Large-Scale Degradation of a Caribbean Coral Reef

  1994cited by this paper
• Why Predation Rate Should Not be Proportional to Predator Density

  1993cited by this paper
• Coupling in predator-prey dynamics: Ratio-Dependence

  1989cited by this paper
• THE ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF INTRAGUILD PREDATION: Potential Competitors That Eat Each Other

  1989cited by this paper
• Synergistic interactions between fish and stoneflies: facilitation and interference among stream predators

  1988cited by this paper
• Habitats and diet of predatory gastropods at addu atoll, maldives

  1978cited by this paper
• Analysis of a Selective Predation Experiment

  1972cited by this paper
• The Effects of Prey Size Selection by Lake Planktivores

  1968cited by this paper

• No citing papers are available for this paper.