Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Nudibranch predation and dietary preference for the polyps of Aurelia labiata (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)

  • JELLYFISH BLOOMS
  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

There is concern that jellyfish blooms may be increasing worldwide. Some factors controlling population size, such as temperature and food, often have been studied; however, the importance of predators is poorly known. Aeolid nudibranchs feed on cnidarians, but their predation on the benthic polyps of scyphozoan rarely has been documented. To understand the potential of nudibranchs to consume polyps, we tested several predation preference hypotheses with the generalist feeding nudibranch, Hermissenda crassicornis, and polyps of the common moon jellyfish, Aurelia labiata. Of the six prey species tested during feeding experiments, A. labiata polyps and the tunicate Distaplia occidentalis were significantly preferred. Nudibranch size, diurnal cycle, and ingestive conditioning did not significantly influence prey choice. Nudibranchs showed significant positive chemotaxis toward living polyps, hydroids, and tunicates, but not to sea anemones. Nudibranch chemotaxis was significantly more positive to polar extract of A. labiata than of D. occidentalis. Consumption of polyps was correlated with nudibranch size, with mean consumption by large nudibranchs (>0.92 g) of about 31 polyps h−1. Three other nudibranch species also ate A. labiata polyps. Our results emphasize the potential importance of predation for controlling jellyfish benthic polyp populations and consequent jellyfish blooms.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Avila, C., 1998. Chemotaxis in the nudibranch Hermissenda crassicornis: does ingestive conditioning influence its behaviour in a Y-maze? Journal of Molluscan Studies 64: 215–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avila, C., E. Tyndale & A. M. Kuzirian, 1998. Feeding behaviour and growth of Hermissenda crassicornis (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) in the laboratory. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 31: 1–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Behrens, D. W., 1991. Pacific Coast Nudibranchs, 2nd ed. Sea Challengers Publishing, Monterey: 97 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brandon, M. & C. E. Cutress, 1985. A new Dondice (Opisthobranchia: Favorinidae), predator of Cassiopea in southwest Puerto Rico. Bulletin of Marine Science 36: 139–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brodeur, R. D., H. Sugisaki & G. L. Hunt Jr., 2002. Increases in jellyfish biomass in the Bering Sea: implications for the ecosystem. Marine Ecology Progress Series 233: 89–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buss, L. W., 1990. Competition within and between encrusting clonal invertebrates. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 5: 352–356.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cargo, D. G. & J. W. Burnett, 1982. Observations on the ultrastructure and defensive behavior of the cnidosac of Cratena pilata. Veliger 24: 325–327.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christie, W. W., 1993. In Christie, W. W. (ed.), Advances in Lipid Methodology – Two. Oily Press, Dundee: 195–213.

  • Clark, K. B. & A. Goetzfried, 1978. Zoogeographic influences on development of North Atlantic Ascoglossa and Nudibranchia, with a discussion of factors affecting egg size and number. Journal of Mollusc Studies 44: 283–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Croll, R. P., 1983. Gastropod chemoreception. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 58: 293–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edmunds, M., G. W. Potts, R. C. Swinfen & V. L. Waters, 1974. The feeding preferences of Aeolidia papillosa (L.) (Mollusca: Nudibranchia). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 54: 939–947.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong, A. J., 2002. Allocations to clonal replication in a marine scyphozoan (Aurelia). Science and Engineering 62: 3516–3635.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gröndahl, F., 1988. Interactions between polyps of Aurelia aurita and planktonic larvae of scyphozoans: an experimental study. Marine Ecology Progress Series 45: 87–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, S. J., C. D. Todd & A. D. Gordon, 1984. Prey-species selection by the anemone predator Aeolidia papillosa (L.): the influence of ingestive conditioning and previous dietary history, and a test for switching behaviour. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 82: 11–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harrigan, J. F. & D. L. Alkon, 1978. Larval rearing, metamorphosis, growth and reproduction of the aeolid nudibranch Hermissenda crassicornis (Eschscholtz, 1831). Biological Bulletin 154: 430–439.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hernroth, L. & F. Gröndahl, 1985a. On the biology of Aurelia aurita (L.). 3. Predation by Coryphella verrucosa (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia), a major factor regulating the development of Aurelia populations in the Gullmar Fjord, Western Sweden. Ophelia 24: 37–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hernroth, L. & F. Gröndahl, 1985b. On the biology of Aurelia aurita (L.). 2. Major factors regulating the occurrence of ephyrae and young medusae in the Gullmar Fjord, Western Sweden. Bulletin of Marine Science 37: 567–576.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holst, S., 2012. Effects of climate warming on strobilation and ephyra production of North Sea scyphozoan jellyfish. Hydrobiologia. doi:10.1007/s10750-012-1043-y.

  • Holst, S. & G. Jarms, 2007. Substrate choice and settlement preferences of planula larvae of five Scyphozoa (Cnidaria) from German Bight, North Sea. Marine Biology 151: 863–871.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoover, R. A. & J. E. Purcell, 2009. Substrate preferences of scyphozoan Aurelia labiata polyps among common dock-building materials. Hydrobiologia 616: 259–267.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Keen, S. L., 1991. Clonal dynamics and life history evolution in the jellyfish Aurelia aurita. Ph.D. thesis, University of California, Berkeley.

  • Kozloff, E. N., 1983. Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast: An Illustrated Guide to Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. University of Washington Press, Seattle: 83 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, C. H., 2001. Reproduction and life history strategies of the common jellyfish, Aurelia aurita, in relation to its ambient environment. Hydrobiologia 451: 229–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, C. H., A. G. Hirst & J. A. Williams, 1997. Plankton dynamics and Aurelia aurita production from two contrasting ecosystems: causes and consequences. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 45: 209–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mariottini, G. L. & L. Pane, 2010. Mediterranean jellyfish venoms: a review on scyphomedusae. Marine Drugs 8: 1122–1152.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, R., 2003. Management of nematocysts in the alimentary tract and in cnidosacs of the aeolid nudibranch gastropod Cratena peregrina. Marine Biology 143: 533–541.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDonald, G. R. & J. W. Nybakken, 1996. A list of the worldwide food habits of nudibranchs. http://www.theveliger.org/nudibranch_food.html.

  • Mills, C. E., 1995. Medusae, siphonophores and ctenophores as planktivorous predators in changing global ecosystems. ICES Journal of Marine Science 52: 575–581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miyake, H., M. Terazaki & Y. Kakinuma, 2002. On the polyps of the common jellyfish Aurelia aurita in Kagoshima Bay. Journal of Oceanography 58: 451–459.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, R. H., D. P. Abbot & E. C. Haderlie, 1980. Intertidal Invertebrates of California. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pauly, D., W. Graham, S. Libralato, L. Morissette & M. L. D. Palomares, 2009. Jellyfish in ecosystems, online databases, and ecosystem models. Hydrobiologia 616: 67–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E., 2003. Predation on zooplankton by large jellyfish, Aurelia labiata, Cyanea capillata and Aequorea aequorea in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Marine Ecology Progress Series 246: 137–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E., 2005. Climate effects on formation of jellyfish and ctenophore blooms. Journal of the Marine Biology Association of the UK 85: 1–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E. & P. A. V. Anderson, 1995. Electrical responses to water-soluble components of fish mucus recorded from the cnidocytes of a fish predator, Physalia physalis. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 26: 149–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E. & M. N. Arai, 2001. Interactions of pelagic cnidarians and ctenophores with fish: a review. Hydrobiologia 451: 27–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E. & M. V. Sturdevant, 2001. Prey selection and dietary overlap among zooplanktivorous jellyfish and juvenile fishes in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Marine Ecology Progress Series 210: 67–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E., S.-I. Uye & W.-T. Lo, 2007. Anthropogenic causes of jellyfish blooms and direct consequences for humans: a review. Marine Ecology Progress Series 350: 153–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E., R. A. Hoover & N. T. Schwarck, 2009. Interannual variation of strobilation by the scyphozoan Aurelia labiata in relation to polyp density, temperature, salinity. And light conditions in situ. Marine Ecology Progress Series 375: 139–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, J. E., D. Atienza, V. Fuentes, A. Olariaga, U. Tilves, C. Colahan & J.-M. Gili, 2012. Temperature effects on asexual reproduction rates of scyphozoan species from the northwest Mediterranean Sea. Hydrobiologia. doi:10.1007/s10750-012-1047-7.

  • Ruzicka, J. J., R. D. Brodeur & T. C. Wainwright, 2007. Seasonal food web models for the Oregon inner-shelf ecosystem: investigating the role of large jellyfish. California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations Reports 48: 106–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz, L. P. & D. G. Cargo, 1971. The sea nettle of Chesapeake Bay. Natural Resources Institute, Educational Series No. 93. University of Maryland: 8 pp.

  • Seavy, B. E. & G. Muller-Parker, 2002. Chemosensory and feeding responses of the nudibranch Aeolidia papillosa to the symbiotic sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. Invertebrate Biology 121: 115–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thein, H., H. Ikeda & S. I. Uye, 2012. The potential role of podocysts in perpetuation of the common jellyfish Aurelia aurita s.l. (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) in anthropogenically perturbed coastal waters. Hydrobiologia. doi:10.1007/s10750-012-1045-9.

  • Todd, C. D., 1981. The ecology of nudibranch molluscs. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 19: 141–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyndale, E., C. Avila & A. M. Kuziruan, 1994. Food detection and preferences of the nudibranch mollusk Hermissenda crassicornis: experiments in a Y-maze. Biological Bulletin 187: 274–275.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • UNEP, 1991. Jellyfish blooms in the Mediterranean. In Proceedings of II Workshop on Jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean Action Plan Technical Reports Series: 47 pp.

  • Uye, S. & U. Ueta, 2004. Recent increase of jellyfish populations and their nuisance to fisheries in the inland Sea of Japan. Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Oceanography 68: 9–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waters, V. L., 1973. Food-preference of the nudibranch Aeolidia papillosa, and the effect of the defenses of the prey on predation. Veliger 15: 174–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willcox, S., N. A. Moltschaniwskyj & C. M. Crawford, 2008. Population dynamics of natural colonies of Aurelia sp. scyphistomae in Tasmania, Australia. Marine Biology 154: 661–670.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, K., 1976. The failure of Pearson’s goodness of fit statistic. Statistician 25: 49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willows, A. O. D., 1978. Physiology of feeding in Tritonia I. Behavior and mechanics. Marine Behavioral Physiology 5: 115–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zar, J. H., 1996. Biostatistical Analysis, 3rd ed. Prentice-Hall, Inc, Upper Saddle River.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmer-Faust, R. K., P. B. O’Neill & D. W. Schar, 1996. The relationship between predator activity state and sensitivity to prey odor. Biological Bulletin 190: 82–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the director and staff of Shannon Point Marine Center for supplying the facilities, equipment, and support to make this study possible, the Charles and June Ross Foundation and the Biology Department of Western Washington University for their financial support, Dr. Brian Bingham for advice concerning experimental design, and Nathan Schwarck for his support and friendship throughout. This research was funded in part by National Science Foundation ADVANCE Fellows Award OCE-0137419 and Research Experiences for Undergraduates program NSF 09-598.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shannon Point Marine Center, Western Washington University, 1900 Shannon Point Rd, Anacortes, WA, 98221, USA

    Richard A. Hoover & Jennifer E. Purcell

  2. California Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA

    Ruth Armour

  3. University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Ian Dow

Authors
  1. Richard A. Hoover
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ruth Armour
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ian Dow
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jennifer E. Purcell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Richard A. Hoover.

Additional information

Guest editors: J. E. Purcell, H. Mianzan & J. R. Frost / Jellyfish Blooms: Interactions with Humans and Fisheries

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hoover, R.A., Armour, R., Dow, I. et al. Nudibranch predation and dietary preference for the polyps of Aurelia labiata (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa). Hydrobiologia 690, 199–213 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1044-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1044-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation