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Size-dependent predation of the mesopredator Marthasterias glacialis (L.) (Asteroidea)

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Abstract

Asteroids are largely recognized as important predators in all of the world’s oceans and for this reason, they play a crucial role in shaping the structure and functioning of benthic ecosystems. The spiny starfish Marthasterias glacialis is generally considered a voracious predator of molluscs, in particular bivalves. Using field observations and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes, we explored possible changes in diet in relation to size of M. glacialis. Data were collected at Ustica Island (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) from June 2008 to June 2010. M. glacialis showed a size shift in feeding preferences due to different use of food items: bivalves, Columbella rustica, Euthria cornea and Trochoidea were strongly selected by small starfish whereas the larger ones preferred Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus. The clear picture that emerged is that large M. glacialis is able to control sea urchin populations and indirectly Mediterranean rocky reef ecosystems.

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Acknowledgments

N. Galasso and G. Aglieri significantly contributed to field sampling. Sample pre-treatment for stable isotope analysis was carried out by A. Mirasole and S. Noè, while isotopic analysis was performed by A. E. Aleo. Special thanks to Renato Chemello, Giovanni Fanelli and the anonymous reviewer for their constructive and challenging comments, which substantially improved this manuscript. Michelle Bowri revisited the English text. Chiara Bonaviri was supported by the Italian project FIRB (Contract No. RBFR12RXW). This study was funded by the research project “Monitoraggio delle popolazioni di Paracentrotus lividus e Arbacia lixula ai fini della tutela della diversità biologica dell’AMP Isola di Ustica”, under the Italian Ministry of the Environment (M.A.T.T.M - Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare), University of Palermo (FFR 2012-13) and by the Flagship Project RITMARE – Italian Research for the Sea - funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università di Palermo, CoNISMa, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy

    P. Gianguzza, F. Di Trapani, C. Bonaviri & S. Vizzini

  2. CNR – Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero, Via G. Da Verrazzano 17, Castellammare del Golfo, TP, Italy

    D. Agnetta & F. Badalamenti

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  1. P. Gianguzza
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  2. F. Di Trapani
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  3. C. Bonaviri
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  4. D. Agnetta
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  6. F. Badalamenti
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Correspondence to F. Di Trapani.

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Sampling was conducted under a research permit from MPA management body of the Ustica Island (Port Authority of Palermo). All authors approved the final version of the manuscript, and consent to submit has been received from all co-authors. The authors declare no competing financial interests or conflict of interest.

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Responsible Editor: M.G. Chapman.

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Gianguzza, P., Di Trapani, F., Bonaviri, C. et al. Size-dependent predation of the mesopredator Marthasterias glacialis (L.) (Asteroidea). Mar Biol 163, 65 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-016-2835-9

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