Enhanced susceptibility to predation in corals of compromised condition.

摘要: The marine gastropod, Coralliophila abbreviata, is an obligate corallivore that causes substantial mortality in Caribbean Acropora spp. Considering the imperiled status of cervicornis and A. palmata, a better understanding ecological interactions resulting tissue loss may enable more effective conservation strategies. We examined differences susceptibility to C. abbreviata predation based on coral condition. Coral condition was strong determinant snail prey choice, with snails preferring fragments were diseased or mechanically damaged over healthy fragments. In addition, always chose undergoing active by another snail, while showing no preference for non-feeding when compared undisturbed fragment. These results indicate influenced foraging behavior creating potential feedback exacerbate damage from populations compromised other types disturbance.