Journal
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
Volume 265, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2021.107703
Keywords
Macroalgae; Habitat complexity; Hydroids; Amphipods; Benthos
Categories
Funding
- Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (PIBICFAPEMIG) [BIO28/2009]
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This study found that there is a close relationship between caprellid assemblages and algal complexity in coastal marine ecosystems. Different algal architectures host communities with different structures, affecting caprellid density and diversity. Caprellids show a clear preference for specific algal traits, contributing to increased diversity in caprellid populations.
Algal complexity is an important driver of the benthos in coastal marine ecosystems. Distinct algal architectures host communities with different structures. To assess how amphipod assemblages relate to algal complexity, we studied caprellids in four Sargassum species (S. cymosum, S. filipendula, S. furcatum, S. stenophyllum). Ten fronds from each algae species were collected from rocky shores in the coast of Sa & SIM;o Paulo (southeastern Brazil) in December 2009 and March 2010. In each frond, caprellids were identified and counted, and algal traits (length, number of branches, and epiphytic algae and hydroid cover) were measured. Sargassum architecture clearly differed among species. Caprellid density and richness significantly varied among Sargassum species and sam-pling dates, and amphipods showed a clear preference for specific algal traits. Preference for specific structures within the same habitat generates higher caprellid diversity, since it decreases competition for space in different microhabitats created by the structural complexity of algae. Presence of hydroids is the main driver of caprellid assemblage structure, with the former functioning as biogenic sources and influencing qualitative aspects of the habitat.
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