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A link between predator density and arm loss in the starfish Marthasterias glacialis and Asterias rubens

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2000

Kirsten Ramsay ,
John R. Turner ,
Samantha J. Vize  and
Christopher A. Richardson
Kirsten Ramsay
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales–Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EY, UK
John R. Turner
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales–Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EY, UK
Samantha J. Vize
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales–Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EY, UK
Christopher A. Richardson
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales–Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EY, UK
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Abstract

Arm loss in two species of starfish Marthasterias glacialis and Asterias rubens (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) was recorded at eight sites in Lough Hyne, south-west Ireland. There was a significant positive correlation between the density of predators (Luidia ciliaris (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) and Cancer pagurus (Crustacea: Brachyura)) and arm loss in both species of starfish. The results suggest that predators may be responsible for a significant proportion of observed arm loss in these two species of starfish in Lough Hyne.

Type
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 80 , Issue 3 , June 2000 , pp. 565 - 566
Copyright
2000 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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