Abstract
The feeding preferences of two molluscan predators, Nucella crassilabrum and Concholepas concholepas, from southern Chile were studied by means of laboratory and field experiments. Both predators preferred Semimytilus algosus to Perumytilus purpuratus. Small C. concholepas selected mussels less than 5 mm, similar sized N. crassilabrum preferred individuals of 5-10 mm. Larger C. concholepas did not consume mussels above 10 mm whereas large N. crassilabrum preferred the 15-20 mm size but also took mussels up to 30 mm. Individuals rarely consumed more than one mussel in a 7 day period. Both predators consumed the barnacle Chthamalus scabrosus, larger items being taken more frequently than smaller ones. Field experiments confirmed laboratory results, but barnacle consumption was 30% higher in the field. Although considerable dietary overlap is evident between these two predators, there are clear differences in their selection of prey species and sizes. This might provide a mechanism for reducing competition which may result from changes in prey abundance.
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