From Sand to Bell: Novel Predation of Scyphozoans by the Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone Condylactis gigantea (Weinland, 1860) from the Western Atlantic

Abstract

Predation is a fundamental ecological process that shapes marine ecosystem dynamics. This study reveals a novel predator–prey interaction between the giant Caribbean sea anemone Condylactis gigantea and the two jellyfish species Cassiopea sp. and Aurelia sp., challenging traditional understanding of sea anemone feeding habits. Observations from citizen science platforms and field recordings documented C. gigantea successfully capturing and consuming these gelatinous marine organisms. The research highlights the trophic plasticity of C. gigantea, demonstrating its ability to prey on larger gelatinous organisms beyond its traditionally known diet. This predation event represents a possible benthic–pelagic coupling mechanism and underscores the value of citizen science in capturing rare ecological interactions.