The influence of spatial context on prey manipulation behaviors in the California moray eel (Gymnothorax mordax)

Abstract

Predation strategies are shaped by multiple factors, such as prey type, prey density, and/or abiotic conditions. However, limited research has investigated the role of spatial constraints on post-capture behaviors. Our aim was to assess the impact of spatial context on prey manipulation in the California moray eel (Gymnothorax mordax), a crevice forager with a diverse prey handling repertoire. We first compared the duration engaged in specific manipulation behaviors between spatially “enclosed” and “open” foraging environments, followed by a comparison of tightly enclosed spaces that were scaled to individual moray diameter. We observed that the durations spent engaged in specific manipulation behaviors varied based on spatial context. Despite these changes, total feeding time, which consists of both manipulating and swallowing prey, did not vary across treatments. These results highlight the behavioral flexibility of morays, suggesting that they can adjust prey manipulation strategies for specific spatial contexts without compromising overall feeding duration. We additionally documented two previously undescribed behaviors (tail and body anchoring) which seem to be used in the narrowest treatments for leverage when knotting behavior was not possible due to spatial constraints. This research provides valuable insight into the foraging ecology of this locally abundant apex predator and aids in furthering our understanding of predator-prey interactions in the benthic community within the kelp forest ecosystem.