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AUFS is a meso-predator predating primarily on benthic organisms (Arnould & Hindell, 2001). In the catalogue of confirmed predators are listed: Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias)(Shaughnessy 2006; Kirkwood & Dickie, 2005), sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus)(Abrantes & Barnett, 2011), and killer whales (Orcinus orca) represent a possible predator (Forney, Wade & Estes, 2006).
AUFS is a meso-predator predating primarily on benthic organisms (Arnould & Hindell, 2001). In the catalogue of confirmed predators are listed: Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias)(Shaughnessy 2006; Kirkwood & Dickie, 2005), sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus)(Abrantes & Barnett, 2011), and killer whales (Orcinus orca) represent a possible predator (Forney, Wade & Estes, 2006).
Predation by sharks is known to occur throughout the day, with higher frequencies at dawn and dusk, but occur occasionally even at night (Fallows et al., 2012). Arnould & Hindell (2001) documented seafloor travelling by AUFS when departing or returning to the colony, which could be linked to the possibility to reduce their exposure to predators. The use of animal-borne cameras has given the chance to document benthic behaviours of AUFS, including animals motionless at the seafloor while scanning the water column. As already mentioned, AUFS is a benthic forager species, therefore it is thought that this behaviour could be a predator avoidance technique, as being at the bottom of the water column while scanning gives a better chance to spot predators and to not be seen by them.
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