Evidence for a by-product mutualism in a group hunter depends on prey movement state

Group-hunting animals have been shown to engage their prey in long pursuits (kms) to increase capture success, but the evidence for this is limited to a few terrestrial species. This predation strategy may be effective in the open-ocean, where group-hunts are characterised by large predator-prey size ratios and there are few places for prey to hide. However, recording the attack rates, capture rates and capture success probabilities of grouping predators during long-distance pursuits through the open ocean, remains a significant challenge. Here we use a combination of underwater and aerial video to assess the attack and capture behaviour of striped marlin, Kajikia audax, in relation to the movement of their schooling prey (‘stationary’ and ‘mobile’ movement states) during group hunts. We found that the attack rate was higher when the prey school was ‘stationary’ and, during these times, individual marlin could make longer sequences of uninterrupted attacks on the prey school, effectivel..., , , # Evidence for a by-product mutualism in a group hunter depends on prey movement state

Hansen, Matthew (Forthcoming 2024)

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5x69p8dc9](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5x69p8dc9)

#### Description of the data and file structure for the 4 sets of analysis conducted in the manuscript:

1.) The relationship between predator behaviour and differences in prey

2.) Predator positions during attacks isolate analysis

3.) Predator positions during attacks stat mob analysis

4.) Drivers of isolation events

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1.) **the_relationship_between_predator_behaviour_and_differences_in_prey.csv**

Data set contains time stamped behavioural data extracted from video recordings of group hunting striped marlin attacking schools of prey fish in the open ocean.

Every row within the provided data frame relates to a predator attacking the prey school or capture of an isolated prey item

BB: Prey school ID.

Time: Timestam...