Impact of biotic and abiotic factors on epibiotic communities of the Barents Sea red king crab

Abstract

Based on a long-term dataset of species composition and infestation levels of associated organisms on the invasive Barents Sea red king crab, a multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the contributions of biotic and abiotic factors to the fouling community structure. Results indicate that host size and exoskeleton age were the most significant factors for diversity indices and infestation intensity. Abiotic factors played a diminished role in the formation of fouling communities. Temperature conditions during the mass molting periods were found to have significant effects, apparently serving as a catalyst for the primary settlement of crab shells by benthic organisms. Our data not only yield new insights into the formation of fouling communities of decapod crustaceans, but also provide valuable information for further studies on the adaptation process of the red crab to the conditions of the Barents Sea.