The feeding behaviour of starfish on Essex oyster beds

Abstract

SUMMARYLaboratory and field observations were made on the food and feeding of the starfish in relation to its role as a predator on oyster beds in the rivers of Essex, particularly in the river Crouch.Asterias rubenswas found most likely to be associated with large numbers ofCrepidula, the most serious competitor of the oyster.Laboratory experiments showed that althoughAsteriasoccasionally ate spat and adult oysters, the greater part of its food was made up of organisms which are competitors of the oyster. The smaller sizes ofAsteriasate large numbers of barnacles, with occasional spat of oysters andCrepidula. The larger occasionally ate oysters and oyster spat, but almost always exhibited a preference for mussels and, in the absence of these, forCrepidula, and sometimes even forUrosalpinx.Some observations were made on the method and rate of feeding and distribution ofAsteriasandSolaster papposus, and certain aspects of the feeding behaviour of the stone crab,Hyas araneus.It was concluded thatAsteriasis not such a serious enemy of the oyster as was previously supposed, and that under certain conditions, its presence may be beneficial to oyster culture.