Dataset: Fairy basslet counts and density prior to manipulation experiments conducted at reefs near Eleuthera, Bahamas in 2012 (Lionfish Invasion project)

This dataset contains counts of fairy basslet at reefs near Eleuthera, Bahamas prior to any manipulation of lionfish or basslet density.

To rigorously test whether and how lionfish have altered prey density-dependent dynamics, a manipulation was conducted of both basslet and lionfish densities in a cross-factored design, such that differences in patterns of mortality between treatments could be attributable to lionfish predation alone. Because density-dependent basslet mortality was attributed to predators aggregating preferentially near high prey concentrations, predatory behavior of both native and invasive predators was also examined in order to determine whether differences in any aggregative response could explain different patterns of prey mortality.

Related Datasets from sub-project "Lionfish alter density dependence in fairy basslet":
fairy basslet census Eleuthera
predator surveys Eleuthera