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Predation on two brachiopods, Joania cordata and Argyrotheca cuneata, from an offshore reef in the Tyrrhenian Sea

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Abstract

Predator holes in empty shells of Joania cordata and Argyrotheca cuneata (Brachiopoda: Megathyrididae) collected in the marine protected area “Secche di Tor Paterno”, central Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy (41°35′N–12°20′E, at depths of 20–28 m), were analyzed. Predation intensity was low but appreciable, with the more common species J. cordata preyed on more frequently (6.7 %) than A. cuneata (3.8 %). Three main types of holes were recognized: (1) cylindrical drill holes with a circular outline, (2) larger irregular holes with a jagged outline, and (3) small holes at the bottom of depressions in the shell. They were probably produced by muricid gastropods, crabs, and Foraminifera, respectively. The large, irregular holes were the most common type in both brachiopod species. Evidence for predator selectivity with respect to which valve, the position of the hole on the valve, and the size of the brachiopod with respect to those available was assessed. The ventral valve, the postero-medial portions of both valves, and larger (J. cordata) or medium-sized (A. cuneata) shells were more frequently holed.

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Acknowledgments

Field work was supported by RomaNatura (regional agency managing the marine protected area “Secche di Tor Paterno”) and financed by Ministero per l’Ambiente e la Tutela del Territorio e del Mare. We are greatly indebted to Luca Marini, Director of the Marine Protected Area, who helped us obtain these funds. Paolo Giuntarelli, director of RomaNatura in 2007, helped us with administrative procedures. Marco Oliverio, Letizia Argenti, Roberto Maltini, and Sabrina Macchioni were valuable members of the diving team. Many thanks to Vincenzo Trotta, Department of Evolutionary Experimental Biology, University of Bologna, who kindly contributed to all statistical analyses. Tomasz Baumiller, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Michigan, provided suggestions and useful information in the analysis of site selectivity. Three anonymous reviewers and Michael Kowalewski provided constructive criticism on an earlier version of the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Evolutionary Experimental Biology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy

    Francesca Evangelisti, Paolo G. Albano & Bruno Sabelli

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  1. Francesca Evangelisti
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Correspondence to Francesca Evangelisti.

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Communicated by J. P. Grassle.

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Evangelisti, F., Albano, P.G. & Sabelli, B. Predation on two brachiopods, Joania cordata and Argyrotheca cuneata, from an offshore reef in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Mar Biol 159, 2349–2358 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-012-2019-1

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