The role of predationby decapod crustaceans in seagrass ecosystems

Data from a series of laboratory and field predation experiments using fish and
decapod predators from seagrass beds in the Indian River, Florida, USA, indicated that
the density of many of the taxonomic groups of seagrass-associated macrobenthos
were related in a negative exponential manner to the total density of decapod
crustaceans present. Significant regressions were observed in the laboratory and the
field experiments for the Amphipoda, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Polychaeta, Sipunculida,
and Tanaidacea, whereas the Isopoda and Nemertinea showed no such relationships.
These data emphasize the fact that simplification of intermediate trophic levels in
trophic models is unwarranted and may result in failure to recognize important
regulatory pathways for seagrass community structure.