Antipredator Defense and Phenotypic Plasticity of Sclerites From Renilla muelleri, a Tropical Sea Pansy

摘要: Calcified sclerites are common in many benthic marine invertebrates, and despite their widespread occur- rence, little is known about ecological roles. Previous studies suggested that the sclerite composition of coral colonies may be altered response to environmental cues such as predation water motion. Furthermore, larger thought more effective than small ones deterring predators, while provide greater stiffness resistance deformation. The present study compared length sea pansy Renilla muelleri from three depths Guanabara Bay southeastern Brazil. Our results show deep-water specimens those shallow water. Field assays were conducted which pansies at incorporated into artificial foods offered a natural assemblage fish. These demonstrate R. all significantly reduced consumption by general- ist carnivorous fishes. We conclude uses skeletal elements not only give body its form but also defense against biotic threats.