Conjugate coupling in ecosystems: Cross-predation stabilizes food webs

•We study two predator–prey models coupled via cross-predation (conjugate coupling).•Appropriate cross-predation levels can lead to amplitude death.•An instance of extreme multistability in identical coupled systems is reported.

We study the dynamics of two predator–prey systems that are coupled via cross-predation, in which each predator consumes also the other prey. This setup constitutes a model system in which conjugate coupling emerges naturally and denotes the transition from two separate food chains to a food web. We show that cross-predation of a certain strength leads to amplitude death stabilizing the food web in a new equilibrium.