Density-dependent foraging and mutual interference in blue crabs preying upon infaunal clams

Abstract

Predator-prey dynamics between Callinectes sapidus and an infaunal soft-shelled clam, Macoma balthica, were examined. Blue crabs exhibited density-dependent foraging: proportionally more clams were consumed at the higher clam density. At higher crab densities mutual interference was also evident in the incidence of wounds and deaths to crabs resulting from cannibalism or intraspecific aggression. -from Authors