The predator-prey interaction between two sea star species of the genus Asrropecten known to be competitors was investigated at Costa Colostrai, Sardinia, Italy by means of SCUBA-Diving. It was estimated that predation of A . urunchcus would eliminate about 1 % of the prey population of A . bispinosus daily. Becausc densities of A . blspinosiu were observed to be unaltered during tht. summer months, a considerable immigration of A. bispinosus into the arca has to be postulatcd. A. hispinosus represents 40 % of the dry organic matter consumed by A. arrinciuciu, and is one of the most important food items of this species.A. aruncictcw is not more efficient in preying upon A. bispinosrcs than in preying upon other food items; but cl'ficiency is grcater upon buried sea stars than upon walking ones.Consequences for stability of the local ecosystem are discussed.
U.S.
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