Effect of predator exposure on the performance and survival of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)
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abstract
The influence of predator exposure on the survival of hatchery red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus was investigated under laboratory conditions. Several prey-capture (attack distance, mean attack velocity, capture time, and gape cycle duration) and anti-predator (reaction distance, response distance, mean velocity, and maximum velocity) performance variables were quantified using high-speed video for juvenile red drum (25-30 mm standard length, L S) reared with and without predators (pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides). Univariate contrasts of prey-capture events demonstrated that attack distance (mean s. e.) was significantly greater in red drum reared with (1.20 0.16 mm) versus without (0.65 0.09 mm) pinfish predators. During anti-predator events, red drum reared with predators had approximately 300% greater reaction distance and 20%-30% greater response distance, mean velocity and maximum velocity versus fish reared without predators; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Following video assessments, a series of mortality experiments were conducted using free-ranging pinfish predators. Mortality rates (Z) ranged from 0.047 to 0.060 (Z/hr/predator) and did not differ significantly among treatments. 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
