Short-term sublethal hypoxia affects a predator-prey system in northern Adriatic transitional waters

摘要: Abstract Predation intensity depends on factors that affect both the predator’s ability to locate prey as well defensive responses by approaching predators. The interactive effects of short-term hypoxia and predation were tested survival two bivalves ( Tapes philippinarum Musculista senhousia ) through laboratory experiments using crab Carcinus aestuarii predator. We found M . be a focal C but, after non-lethal hypoxia, crabs’ preference for was influenced presence other prey, T observed an environmentally-mediated, non-reciprocal indirect interaction between species, probably caused differences in specific traits. Identifying influence disturbance predator-prey relationships is critical predicting changes water quality trophic interactions food web dynamics transitional systems.