Abstract
Ictalurid catfish possess locking spines which make them dangerous to gape-limited predators such as herons and grebes, but not to ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) which dismember prey. Herons and grebes handled ictalurids longer than prey without locking spines, but ospreys did not. As well, herons and grebes took ictalurids less frequently than ospreys. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that prey handling is a function of the risk of injury during ingestion. Minimization of this risk may not be a constraint, but rather a foraging decision for a predator.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
