Abstract
ABSTRACT Predation of newly settled juvenile Crassostrea virginica often dominates post-settlement mortality. Resident mesopredators such as the xanthid mud crabs are abundant (>200/m2) on constructed subtidal oyster reefs in the New York metropolitan region and may contribute to post-settlement oyster mortality. Two study sites with differing mesopredator species, Hastings and Soundview Park, were selected to examine the role of small crustacean predators in post-settlement mortality. The white-fingered mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii) inhabits Hastings, whereas the flat mud crab (Eurypanopeus depressus) and Sayi mud crab (Dyspanopeus sayi) inhabit Soundview Park. Using size-selective mesh cages to exclude predators, the effects of predator size on oyster predation and recruitment at Hastings and Soundview Park were examined. Overall, Soundview Park had higher consumption rates than Hastings. The highest consumption at Soundview Park occurred when predators of all sizes had access to the oyster prey. ...
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