Title | Synergistic predation, density dependence, and population regulation in marine fish |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1997 |
Authors | Hixon, MA, Carr, MH |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 277 |
Pagination | 946-949 |
Type of Article | Journal Article |
ISSN | 0036-8075 |
Abstract | Understanding natural causes of density dependence is essential for identifying possible sources of population regulation. Field experiments on a model system of coral reef fishes showed that small juveniles of Chromis cyanea suffer heavy mortality that is spatially density-dependent only in the presence of two suites of predators: transient piscivores attacking from above, and reef-resident piscivores attacking from below. In the absence of either kind of predator, early mortality of Chromis is virtually density-independent. Because piscivores may have regulatory roles in this and similar marine systems, overfishing these predators may have ramifications for the remainder of the exploited community. |
URL | <Go to ISI>://WOS:A1997XQ98500039 |
DOI | 10.1126/science.277.5328.946 |