INVESTIGADORES
IRIBARNE Oscar Osvaldo
artículos
Título:
Effect of fish predation on intertidal benthic fauna is modified by crab bioturbations
Autor/es:
MARTINETTO P; O. IRIBARNE; G. PALOMO
Revista:
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
Editorial:
Elsevier
Referencias:
Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2005 vol. 318 p. 71 - 84
ISSN:
0022-0981
Resumen:
The burrowing crab Chasmagnathus granulatus is an important bioturbator in SW Atlantic estuaries where they generate
dense and extended intertidal beds. Its bioturbation leads to profound changes in the structure, quality and dynamics of
sediments with concomitant impacts on the entire benthic community. In this study, we evaluate whether the presence of this
crab affects the predatorprey interaction between juvenile fishes and their benthic prey. Gut content and benthic prey selection
by juvenile fishes inside and outside crab beds were evaluated, and predation effect was experimentally contrasted between
areas using fish exclosures. The results show that in crab beds the percentage of fish with empty guts was lower and the number
of polychaetes consumed by fish higher than outside crab beds. The silverside Odontesthes argentinensis and the catfishChasmagnathus granulatus is an important bioturbator in SW Atlantic estuaries where they generate
dense and extended intertidal beds. Its bioturbation leads to profound changes in the structure, quality and dynamics of
sediments with concomitant impacts on the entire benthic community. In this study, we evaluate whether the presence of this
crab affects the predatorprey interaction between juvenile fishes and their benthic prey. Gut content and benthic prey selection
by juvenile fishes inside and outside crab beds were evaluated, and predation effect was experimentally contrasted between
areas using fish exclosures. The results show that in crab beds the percentage of fish with empty guts was lower and the number
of polychaetes consumed by fish higher than outside crab beds. The silverside Odontesthes argentinensis and the catfishOdontesthes argentinensis and the catfish
Pimelodella laticeps fed on larger polychaetes outside than inside crab bed areas, while the white mouth croaker Micropogonias
furnieri preyed upon larger polychaetes inside crab beds. In addition, field experiments shows that fish predation decreases
polychaete abundances only in crab beds. These results suggest that crab bioturbation facilitate fish predation on benthic prey.fed on larger polychaetes outside than inside crab bed areas, while the white mouth croaker Micropogonias
furnieri preyed upon larger polychaetes inside crab beds. In addition, field experiments shows that fish predation decreases
polychaete abundances only in crab beds. These results suggest that crab bioturbation facilitate fish predation on benthic prey.preyed upon larger polychaetes inside crab beds. In addition, field experiments shows that fish predation decreases
polychaete abundances only in crab beds. These results suggest that crab bioturbation facilitate fish predation on benthic prey.
D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.