Journal article
Predator morphology dictates allometric scaling of predation risk for a keystone marine invertebrate
Marine Ecology Progress series, Vol.First online
10/2025
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Abstract
Predation is a significant source of mortality for many prey taxa, but predation strength may be determined by predator–prey body size, functional morphology or their combination. Here, we interrogate the relative contribution of predator–prey sizes and morphology in determining predation risk and density-dependent consumption rates for 5 decapod predators of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS; Acanthaster sp.), a corallivorous pest species common across the Indo-Pacific. We found generalisable patterns in the allometric scaling of predation risk among predator species, with declining consumption probability as juvenile CoTS size increased and predator size decreased. However, distinct predator claw characteristics explained 2 contrasting foraging styles that modified allometric predation windows and constrained attack rate and handling time estimates. Frequent CoTS injury and relatively low consumption rates (1.4–3.6 CoTS d-1) typified interactions with Portunidae species, whose sharp, weak claws are largely ineffective for consuming benthic prey. By contrast, the red decorator crab Schizophrys aspera (Majidae) consumed larger quantities of CoTS (16.8–22.1 CoTS d-1) across a broader range of prey sizes (1–14 mm), at least in part due to specialised spatulate claws that appear well-suited for handling benthic prey. Our results suggest that predator-induced CoTS mortality is strongest for juveniles < 5 mm when multiple predators are capable of total consumption, but that CoTS vulnerability may be prolonged in the presence of S. aspera. Variation in the abundance of these 2 predator types is likely to impact overall juvenile cohort success and the time to reach size refuges, with consequences for CoTS outbreaks.
Details
- Title
- Predator morphology dictates allometric scaling of predation risk for a keystone marine invertebrate
- Creators
- Amelia Andree Desbiens - University of QueenslandKennedy David Lawrence Wolfe - University of QueenslandSymon Dworjanyn - Southern Cross UniversityPeter J Mumby - University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- Marine Ecology Progress series, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Inter-Research Science Publisher; OLDENDORF LUHE
- Grant note
- CoTS Control and Innovation ProgramGreat Barrier Reef FoundationAustralian Government Reef Trust Partnership
Acknowledgements. The present study was conducted on the Sea Country of the Taribelang Bunda, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Bailai peoples. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land and sea, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We thank Sven Uthicke, Maria Gomez Cabrera and Benjamin Mos for assistance with CoTS rearing and continuing scientific discussion throughout the experimental period. Thanks also to the staff of Heron Island Research Station for logistic support. Financial support for this study was provided by the CoTS Control and Innovation Program, supported by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Australian Government Reef Trust Partnership.
- Identifiers
- 991013324324202368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article