Habitat Complexity Alters Predator-Prey Interactions in a Shallow Water Ecosystem

Habitat complexity can profoundly influence interactions between predators and their prey due to changes foraging efficiencies. In aquatic systems, habitat alterations alter pursuit times swimming behaviours of predator–prey participants, which in turn could mediate the strength and, thus, population dynamics. The lower reaches estuarine ecosystems are typically characterised by extensive beds submerged macrophytes that might trophic dynamics pelagic prey. Here, we investigate increasing on consumption calanoid copepod, Paracartia longipatella, adult male female mysid, Mesopodopsis wooldridgei, means a comparative functional response approach. Using structures resembled vegetation, quantified compared feeding rates, attack handling across gradient, questioned whether responses different sexes. Feeding rates related significantly negatively for both males females, with Type II consistently displayed. Functional differed complexities, at low intermediate densities greater absence more complex predator Results current study demonstrate increased mediates outcomes M. wooldridgei P. longipatella sexes, possibly other shallow waters. Owing spatiotemporal differences structure within waters, this system likely differs areas where they co-exist.