Chemical cues from a predatory fish (Parapercis colias) suppress feeding rates of the New Zealand sea urchin (Evechinus chloroticus).

ABSTRACT: Changes in sea urchin behavior following detection of chemical cues from predatory fishes may influence key ecological dynamics but have rarely been experimentally quantified. Here, we measured feeding rates on a habitat-forming macroalgae by two size classes of the New Zealand sea urchin (Evechinus chloroticus) exposed to either ambient seawater or seawater carrying excretions from a predatory fish (blue cod; Parapercis colias). We created a Bayesian model that combined uncertainty in kelp growth rates and probability of urchin feeding to generate robust estimates of fish-exposure effects on multiple feeding metrics. We then compared our results to re-analyzed data characterizing behavioral responses of E. chloroticus to lobster cues (Jasus edwardsii). Larger urchins (6-8 cm test diameter

SUBMITTER: Curtis JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12606306 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature