Predator-Induced Nocturnal Benthic Emergence: Field and Experimental Evidence for an Unknown Behavioral Escape Mechanism along the Coral Reef–Seagrass Interface

Previously, using plankton tows, and emergence settlement traps, we documented persistent widespread nocturnal emergence, planktonic redistribution, of benthic macroinvertebrates along the coral reef–seagrass interface at two geographically separated locations. We also that intensity varies with distance from reef, leading us to hypothesize spatial pattern is determined by foraging patterns nocturnally active, bottom-feeding, mid-level consumers (mainly grunts). In this second study, coupled those previously published data fish surveys concurrently conducted belt transects placed same locations as trap collections, a controlled laboratory experiment, test hypothesis. The results these analyses find variability in density bottom-feeding strongly positively correlated intensity, regardless site or season. Results experiments show invertebrate significantly higher presence one (the blue-striped grunt Haemulon sciurus) than microcosms do not contain predator. Overall, study shows such processes may explain how prey can avoid capture predators persist predator-rich seagrass habitats surround reefs Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This points out need consider when studying biodiversity environment.