Distribution and host plant preference of Idotea baltica (Pallas) (Crustacea Isopoda) on shallow rocky shores in the central Baltic Sea

Svensson, P. Andreas (author): Norwegian Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Biol, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway

Malm, T. (author)

Engkvist, Roland (author): Högskolan i Kalmar,Naturvetenskapliga institutionen

(creator_code:org_t)

Informa UK Limited, 2004
2004
English.
In: Sarsia. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-4827 .- 1503-1128. ; 89:1, s. 1-7

Related links:: https://urn.kb.se/re...; show more...; https://urn.kb.se/re...; https://doi.org/10.1...; show less...

Abstract Subject headings

Partially due to the mass occurrence of the isopod Idotea baltica, the perennial fucoid vegetation in the Baltic Sea has been destroyed over large areas and replaced by filamentous algae. With a combination of field investigations and laboratory experiments, we tested whether I. baltica preferred Fucus serratus to the dominant red alga Polysiphonia fucoides. In the field, the I. baltica density was higher inside F. serratus than P. fucoides patches when measured per unit area, but the situation was reversed if measured per biomass algae. Diet in the field was well correlated with the distribution of the isopods. A large proportion of the isopod faecal pellets collected in the field contained remnants of microalgae, planktonic animals, and bacteria, but the dominating material was always cells from the actual host plant. In a host plant preference experiment, I. baltica distributed evenly between the two host plant types, but the isopods grazed more heavily on F. serratus: We conclude that although F. serratus is the preferred food item in a choice situation, P. fucoides appears to have the potential to support the I. baltica population with food and shelter. A possible relationship between the weak host plant preference and the low stocks of predatory fish is discussed.

NATURVETENSKAP -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)
NATURAL SCIENCES -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)
NATURVETENSKAP -- Biologi -- Etologi (hsv//swe)
NATURAL SCIENCES -- Biological Sciences -- Behavioural Sciences Biology (hsv//eng)
NATURVETENSKAP -- Biologi -- Zoologi (hsv//swe)
NATURAL SCIENCES -- Biological Sciences -- Zoology (hsv//eng)

About the subject

NATURAL SCIENCES: NATURAL SCIENCES; and Biological Scien ...; and Behavioural Scie ...

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