Dataset for: Oil exposure impairs predator–prey dynamics in larval red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)

The data collected in this study examined the influence of acute oil exposure on predator-prey dynamics (routine foraging activity and prey capture) in the larval red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Oil from the surface (OFS) during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was used for the experiments. The data includes two main experiment settings: routine foraging activity and prey capture. Three oil doses (5, 10, 20% nominal concentrations) and a control were used in both assays. For routine foraging activity, approximately 21 dpf (days post fertilization) larvae were exposed to one of the treatments for 24 h and given no food to induce foraging behavior. After one-hour acclimation, activity was recorded for 15 min for the control, 5 and 10% oil doses. The videos were analyzed for total distance swam and thigmotaxis (percent of time spent near + away from the wall) using Ethovision, and for the area covered using ImageJ. Prey capture assays were performed with approximately 35 dpf larvae and 10 brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii). Time in seconds that took for the 1st, 5th, and 10th captures was recorded, as well as, the total number of prey items remaining after the 10-minute experiment. This dataset supports the publication: Rowsey, L. E., Johansen, J. L., Khursigara, A. J., & Esbaugh, A. J. (2019). Oil exposure impairs predator–prey dynamics in larval red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Marine and Freshwater Research. doi:10.1071/mf18263