Taryn investigated potential interspecies interactions between octopuses and fish across shallow, rocky reefs in Cuajiniquil, Costa Rica. Using snorkeling observations and GoPro recordings, she documented daytime foraging trips of the Gould octopus (Octopus mimus) and examined whether fish associate with octopuses as they leave and return to their dens. Her study found that when O. mimus left its den to forage using a saltatory strategy, barred serrano (Serranus psittacinus) consistently followed, lunging at small prey items flushed out from the reef. These observations represent the first documented instance of barred serrano following O. mimus, highlighting a previously unrecognized foraging relationship and offering valuable insight into how species interactions support key marine ecosystem functions.
Studying the relationship between the barred serrano and the Gould octopus is unique to Central America, especially since both species remain understudied. My project began during the first two weeks of our travels when we visited Cuajiniquil. I noticed fish crowding around an octopus and wondered if an interspecies interaction was taking place. Exploring unfamiliar ecosystems also gave me the chance to work directly with locals and learn from their knowledge. Before going abroad, I felt intimidated by the idea of creating an independent proposal, worrying I lacked the expertise. What surprised me most was realizing that research simply begins with curiosity. Anyone can ask a good question, and discovering that showed me that anyone can be a researcher.
Taryn Hozdic