Differential selection for vegetative structure between juvenile brown shrimp ( Penaeus aztecus) and white shrimp ( P. setiferus), and implications in predator-prey relationships

Abstract

The distributions of juvenile brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus, and white shrimp, P. setiferus, (57–72 mm TL) were monitored in partially vegetated laboratory enclosures to examine selection for vegetative structure. Simulated Spartina culms, composed of green straws, were used as structure in the experiments. Brown shrimp selected for this structure during the day but not at night. White shrimp showed no strong selective preference for structure during the day or night. Selection in the field was measured by examining densities of the two species of shrimp (40–80 mm TL) in a Galveston Bay, Texas, salt marsh. Brown shrimp were more abundant in vegetated habitats ( Spartina alterniflora) than in adjacent non-vegetated areas. Differences in white shrimp densities between the two habitats were variable, and no consistent pattern was observed. laboratory predation experiments were conducted in non-vegetated and vegetated cages using Atlantic croaker ( Micropogonias undulatus) as predators. In non-vegetated cages there was no significant selection for either species of shrimp by the fish. In partially and completely vegetated cages, fish selected white shrimp over brown shrimp. These data suggest that the presence of vegetation alters prey selection by Atlantic croaker, and this interaction may result in greater mortality of white shrimp compared with brown shrimp in salt marshes.