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Prey preference of Pisaster ochraceus and Leptasterias hexactis recruits of the rocky intertidal along the central Oregon coast

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/defaults/8049g674c

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  • Sea stars are well known on the Pacific coast as being keystone species. Pisaster ochraceus plays a major role in controlling the lower limits of the high zone mussel beds, normally preying on medium to large-sized species. Leptasterias hexactis is often found feeding on smaller prey. According to the competitive exclusion principle, both species cannot dominate the rocky intertidal together. Competition plays a role in the diets of these two species. Despite this long-standing knowledge of adult sea star diets, we know little about the interactions and prey of their recruit stages. The goal of our study is to determine if there is a difference in prey preferences between juvenile L. hexactis and P. ochraceus and if competitor presence affects these preferences. Our results indicate that L. hexactis prefers barnacles, while P. ochraceous shows no preference toward any of the prey. Also, neither of the two species is affected by competitor cues. Understanding the dynamics of this large group of recruits will help predict interaction webs at younger life stages, effects on prey populations, and create a baseline in order to assess how climate change may affect these populations in years to come.
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file details Sea Star Recruits Paper.pdf 07/21/2017 Public
file details Sea Star Recruits Paper.docx 07/21/2017 Public