The Ecology of Lough Ine

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Abstract
The distribution of four potential species of prey (Paracentrotus lividus Gibbula cineraria, Anomia ephippium and Chlamys varia) and three potential predators (Carcinus maenas, Portunus puber and Cancer pagurus) was investigated. The four species of prey were abundant in areas of the lough inhabited by Carcinus, although small specimens of Paracentrotus and G. cineraria were only found under stones. In areas inhabited by P. puber and Cancer the potential prey were in much smaller numbers or absent altogether. In aquarium experiments A. ephippium and C. varia were not damaged by crabs, but were destroyed by Marthasterias. Small Paracentrotus and G. cineraria were broken open by Carcinus, and all sizes were opened or crushed by P. puber and Cancer. In the lough fully grown Paracentrotus transferred to an area inhabited by P. puber and Cancer were observed being smashed and eaten by these crabs at night.

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