Coral-macroalgae interactions : herbivory and substrate type influence growth of the macroalgae Eucheuma denticulatum on a tropical reef

• Invasive macroalgae can alter coral reef habitats by causing phase shifts from coral to macroalgal domination with negative ecological effects and dramatic reductions in coral cover. In Tanzania, South East Asian haplotypes of the macroalgae Eucheuma denticulatum, documented to overgrow reef corals in other locations, have been introduced through seaweed farming practices. In this study we examine growth and holdfast development of introduced and native E. denticulatum on live and dead branches of Acropora sp. in the presence and absence of herbivores in Unguja Island, Zanzibar. Coral and macroalgae health were also estimated. Macroalgae did not attach to any live coral. Coral health was not impacted by the presence of E. denticulatum regardless of origin and gene expression analyses did not indicate any additional stress in corals. Necrotic tissue on the macroalgae in areas of direct contact indicated damage inflicted by the coral. The biomass of E. denticulatum did not differ between live or dead corals but was strongly influenced by herbivory.  The study indicates that E. denticulatum may not pose a strong immediate threat to healthy acroporids in the WIO region but stresses the importance to keep corals healthy and maintaining viable populations of macroalgae feeding species.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Marine Ecology

marin ekologi

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)