Naslov
Experimental predator-prey interactions between Hexaplex trunculus (Gastropoda: Muricidae) and the Black mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)

Autori
Stagličić, Nika ; Peharda, Melita ; Morton, Brian

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, ostalo

Izvornik
40th European Marine Biology Symposium / Ott, Jorg ; Stachowitsch, Michael ; Napetschnig, Sonja - Beč : European Marine Biology Symposium, 2005

Skup
40th European Marine Biology Symposium

Mjesto i datum
Beč, Austrija, 21.08.2005. - 25.08.2005

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Nije recenziran

Ključne riječi
predation; bivalve; gastropod; Adriatic; Hexaplex trunculus; Mytilus galloprovincialis

Sažetak
Hexaplex trunculus is one of the most widespread Mediterranean species of muricid gastropod and lives on rocky, sandy-muddy and mud substrata. Although it is one of the most common gastropods in the Adriatic Sea, relatively little is known about its ecology, especially its feeding behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore experimentally some aspects of H. trunculus predation upon the Black mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Predator size, prey choice, feeding rates, handling times and mode of attack were analysed. Thirty predators belonging to three size classes, that is, small (40 mm), medium (55 mm) and large (70 mm) were placed into individual experimental tanks and each offered three mussels as prey. The mussels also comprised three size class, that is, small (20 mm), medium (35 mm) and large (65 mm). Consumed mussels were replaced by similar sized conspecifics. Data collected from each tank were: total numbers of prey eaten, handling times, mode of attack and position on the prey shell where each attack occurred. Over a five week period and of the 30 H. trunculus tested, nine did not feed, although all attempted to. The predators attacked a total of 56 mussels. Of these, 29 were marginally chipped and 27 were drilled. A tendency to drill the prey shell was more common in small whelks, while marginal chipping was more frequently used by medium and large predators. Average small, medium and large whelks consumed 2.4&plusmn ; ; 1.6, 1.2&plusmn ; ; 1.6, and 2.0&plusmn ; ; 2.1 mussels, respectively. Small whelks had difficulty accessing large mussels and preferred small and medium sized individuals. Medium whelks seemed to prefer mussels belonging to the smallest category, while the largest individuals fed randomly on all mussel categories. There was a statistically significant difference in prey handling time with respect to attack method and predator and prey size categories. The time required to access a mussel by marginal chipping was considerably less than that required for drilling. Mean prey handling time for marginal chipping was 37.7&plusmn ; ; 33.0 hours while for valve drilling it was 94.2&plusmn ; ; 56.2 hours.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

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