Predator–Prey Interactions
Invertebrate Biology 137(2): 133–150. © 2018, The American Microscopical Society, Inc. DOI: 10.1111/ivb.12212 Benthic ctenophores (Platyctenida: Coeloplanidae) in South Florida: predator–prey interactions Peter W. Glynn ,1,a Brian Coffman,2 Karim D. Primov,3 Shannon G. Moorhead,4 Jeongran Vanderwoude,3 Rachel N. Barrales,5 Megan K. Williams,3 and Robert P. Roemer4 1Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33149, USA 2Department of Biological Sciences, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA 3Undergraduate Marine and Atmospheric Science Program, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA 4Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society, Shark Research and Conservation Program, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33149, USA 5Ecosystem Science and Policy Program, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA Abstract. The primary goal of this study was to demonstrate, from field observations and laboratory experiments, some key trophic roles of benthic ctenophores as predators and prey in subtropical communities. We examined individuals of two benthic platyctenid spe- cies: Coeloplana waltoni, a minute epibiont on octocorals in exposed, open-water settings; and Vallicula multiformis, an associate of calm-water biofouling communities and floating Sargassum spp. Laboratory observations of individuals of both ctenophore species revealed frequent capture and ingestion of diverse zooplankton taxa, especially crustaceans. Labora- tory predation trials demonstrated the capture of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) eggs and larvae by both ctenophore species. Dolphinfish eggs and larvae larger than individuals of C.
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