Interspecific variation in potential importance of planktivorous damselfishes as predators of Acanthaster sp. eggs

摘要: Coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) often exhibit dramatic population outbreaks, suggesting that their local abundance may be relatively unchecked by predators. This due to high concentrations of anti-predator chemicals (saponins and plancitoxins), but the effectiveness chemical deterrents in protecting Acanthaster sp., especially spawned eggs, from predation remains controversial. We show planktivorous damselfishes will readily consume food pellets with low proportions (≤80%) eggs starfish. However, all fishes exhibited increasing rejection higher do deter potential Interestingly, palatability thresholds varied greatly among nine species fish tested. Most notably, Amblyglyphidodon curacao consumed comprising 100% 1.5 times more than any other species, appeared largely insensitive increases concentration eggs. After standardising for size, smaller a disproportionate amount indicating abundant small-bodied could particularly important regulating larval settlement success Collectively, this study shows reef vary tolerance represent predators on early life-history stages.