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Abstract

The selectivity of the introduced north Pacific seastar, Asterias amurensis, for different sizes of prey was investigated with the aim of predicting the impact this species will have on the age structure of native prey species and, thus, on their survival. The energy maximisation capabilities of A. amurensis were assessed. The time small A. amurensis (r= 56-77 mm) spent handling the mussel Mytilus edulis increased exponentially with increases in mussel size; handling time by large seastars (r= 78-86 mm) only increased when eating the largest mussels offered. Mussels of the size class 20-29 mm were preferred. The energy content of six mussel size classes was divided by the handling time of each to give a prey value. The optimal mussel size class was calculated to be 30-39 mm. Thus, A. amurensis was not shown to maximise its energy by consuming mussels of a size that would give the greatest energy return for the energy expended. Smaller seastars consumed a greater percentage of their body weights per day (4.970/0) than did larger seastars (2.570/0).

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Lockhart, SJ and Ritz, DA
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, RST, Van Diemens Land, natural history, science, ecology, taxonomy, botany, zoology, geology, geography, papers & proceedings, Australia, UTAS Library
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
ISSN:	0080-4703
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.135.35
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	Copyright Royal Society of Tasmania
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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