Testing the importance of reducing of predation risk through behavior during ontogenetic shifts requires the comparison of closely related species with and without complex life-histories. Spiny lobsters of the genus Panulirus represent such a group. Panulirus argus, a well-studied, western Atlantic species in this diverse, widely distributed taxon, retains its body form throughout its benthic life, displays a complex life-history, and its major predators are well known. P. argus co-occurs in its adult habitat with a closely related congener, Panulirus guttatus, which remains in the same habitat throughout its benthic life. Although P. argus and P. guttatus share common predators nocturnally as adults on the reef, P. argus encounters an expanded suite of predators due to its diurnal activity and multiple, shallow water habitats during immature stages.

Panulirus argus: The benthic life of Panulirus argus begins after settlement of the postlarva from the plankton by metamorphosis into a cryptically-colored algal stage of 3-4 months duration. Algal phase juveniles are asocial, solitary, and remain within dense, prey-rich vegetation in which they are substantially but not completely sheltered from many piscine and invertebrate predators. Once attaining ~25 mm carapace length (CL), juveniles leave the algae, take refuge in crevices by day, often gregariously, and forage in the open at night. After about 8-12 months (~ 40 mm CL), juveniles become nomadic, sometimes migrating by the thousands in long, single-file queues across shelterless terrain during daytime periods. Approximately two years after settlement (~75mm CL), lobsters mature and make a final ontogenetic shift seaward to the reef where they mate and eventually attain >200 mm CL maximum size (~5 kg).

Panulirus guttatus: In contrast to Panulirus argus, its sympatric congener the spotted lobster, Panulirus guttatus, is an obligate reef-dweller following settlement. Spotted lobsters may spend their entire benthic lives on a small patch reef. All benthic stages, from postlarvae to adult, use crevices as shelter, forage exclusively on the reef in darkness, and remain relatively solitary and territorial, especially adult males. P. guttatus attain sexual maturity (~ 40 mm CL) and maximum body size (~ 90 mm CL) at smaller sizes than P. argus. Although several may co-occupy a large den during the day, P. guttatus are not known to display any coordinated, mass-migratory or group anti-predator behaviors.

Research interests:
- Antipredator behavior and the ontogenetic shift.
- Function of spiny lobster sound production.
- Integration of multiple predator cues.
- Group size and mortality rates.