<i>In situ</i> observations of predatory feeding behaviour of the galatheid squat lobster <i>Munida sarsi</i> using a remotely operated vehicle

Abstract

During remotely operated vehicle operations on the UK continental shelf to the west of Shetland (60°6′N 4°4′W) at a depth of 400 m, Munida sarsi , a common benthic crustacean was observed actively preying on the northern krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica. Video footage shows the individual using its chelipeds to catch prey items as they swarm around its burrow. These initial observations indicate that predation forms a new feeding strategy for a species previously believed to be an active scavenger.