Work

From Sand to Bell: Novel Predation of Scyphozoans by the Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone Condylactis gigantea (Weinland, 1860) from the Western Atlantic

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Predation is a fundamental ecological process that shapes marine ecosystem dynamics. This study reveals a novel predator–prey interaction between the giant Caribbean sea anemone Condylactis gigantea and the two jellyfish species Cassiopea sp. and Aurelia sp., challenging traditional understanding of sea anemone feeding habits. Observations from citizen science platforms and field recordings documented C. gigantea successfully capturing and consuming these gelatinous marine organisms. The research highlights the trophic plasticity of C. gigantea, demonstrating its ability to prey on larger gelatinous organisms beyond its traditionally known diet. This predation event represents a possible benthic–pelagic coupling mechanism and underscores the value of citizen science in capturing rare ecological interactions.

Source: Diversity

DOI: 10.3390/d17020111

Authors: Ramón D. Morejón-Arrojo, Natalia B. López-Figueroa, Joán I. Hernández-Albernas, Leandro Rodriguez-Viera, Elizabeth W. Stoner

Institutions: University of South Florida, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Universidad de Cádiz, Bentley University

Language: English

Topic: Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534