Fig. 6: Conceptual diagram of relationships between mesopredators, prey and crown of thorns starfish.
From: Predator removals, trophic cascades and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish on coral reefs
A Prior to fishing, reef sharks are present on reefs and smaller mesopredatory teleosts feed on both benthic invertebrates and some pelagic species. B After fishing, reef sharks are removed, mesopredatory teleosts are lower in abundance and remaining individuals move into the water column, mostly feeding on pelagic prey. Populations of benthic invertebrates, including CoTS, are released from predation pressure and form outbreaks. Image artwork credit: Dean Tysdale.
