Small cryptopredators contribute to high predation rates on coral reefs
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Small fishes suffer high mortality rates on coral reefs, primarily due to predation. Although studies have identified the predators of early post-settlement fishes, the predators of small cryptobenthic fishes remain largely unknown. We therefore used a series of mesocosm experiments with natural habitat and cryptobenthic fish communities to identify the impacts of a range of small potential predators, including several invertebrates, on prey fish populations. While there was high variability in predation rates, many members of the cryptobenthic fish community act as facultative cryptopredators, being prey when small and piscivores when larger. Surprisingly, we also found that smashing mantis shrimps may be important fish predators. Our results highlight the diversity of the predatory community on coral reefs and identify previously unknown trophic links in these complex ecosystems.
Journal
Coral Reefs
Publication Name
N/A
Volume
36
ISBN/ISSN
1432-0975
Edition
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Issue
1
Pages Count
6
Location
N/A
Publisher
Springer
Publisher Url
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Publisher Location
N/A
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1007/s00338-016-1521-1