Proximity to competitors changes secondary metabolites of non-indigenous cup corals, Tubastraea spp., in the southwest Atlantic

Abstract

Competition for space changes species' distributions and community organization on tropical rocky shores, and the presence of secondary metabolites in the tissues of non-indigenous species may aid them in establishing and expanding their range through negative competitive interactions. The aim of this study was to describe the range of chemical substances produced by the nonindigenous cup corals Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis and to test whether they varied in the field when the corals were placed in proximity to two local competitors. Cholest-5-en-3b-ol and 9-octadecanoic acid were two common secondary metabolites found in the tissues of Tubastraea. In the competition interaction experiment, necrosis was detected on the tissues of the coral Mussismilia hispida, and this species induced variation in sterol, alkaloid, and fatty acid production in Tubastraea tissues. In contrast, a sponge overgrew Tubastraea colonies. These results indicate that chemical defense may contribute to the ability of these non-indigenous corals to invade native communities.

Anti-inflammatory potential of invasive sun corals (Scleractinia: Tubastraea spp.) from Brazil: alternative use for management?

“…In this study, we used the same methodology as applied [with few variations in fractions originated from EbMTc (f‐Hex, f‐DCM, f‐AcOEt, f‐BuOH and f‐Residual)] previously by the research group of UERJ Benthic Marine Ecology Laboratory. They also elucidated the chemical composition of the invading corals T. coccinea and T. tagusensis through GC/MS in Hex, Hex and DCM (1:1 v/v), DCM and DCM and MeOH fractions (1:1 v/v) …”

“…, the occurrence of methyl palmitoleate, heptadecanoic acid (methyl margarate), (22Z)‐26,27‐dinorergosta‐5,22‐dien‐3β‐ol (isomer), (22E,24S)‐crinosterol, 23R‐methylcholesterol, stigmasta‐5,22E‐dien‐3β‐ol, cetyl oleate and stearyl palmitate is observed. The presence of methyl (7E, 10E, 13E)‐7,10,13‐hexadecatrienoate, methyl linoleate (methyl 9,12‐octadecadienoate), methyl arachidonate, ergosterol (ergosta‐5,7,22‐trien‐3β‐ol), 24‐methyldesmosterol (ergosta‐5,24‐dien‐3β‐ol) and cetyl palmitate (hexadecanoic acid) is also noted in the literature . Taking the three studies yields 1‐octadecene, methyl palmitate, oleic acid, methyl oleate, methyl stearate, (22Z)‐27‐norergosta‐5,22‐dien‐3β‐ol, cholesterol (Cholest‐5‐en‐3β‐ol) and stearyl oleate (9‐octadecenoic acid).…”

“…Over the years, these invasive species, identified as T. coccinea Lesson, 1829 and T. tagusensis Wells, 1982, have successfully expanded along the Brazilian coast . The biological invasion has reached the coast of Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Espírito Santo and Bahia states, thus increasing national awareness of this phenomenon, where the introduction of these exotic species into local ecosystems has had significant impacts upon the biodiversity of the invaded ecosystems …”

New records of the alien cup-corals (Tubastraea spp.) within estuarine and reef systems in Todos os Santos Bay, Southwestern Atlantic

“…1a), may explain the high number of invaded sites in The high number of invaded sites on Paraguaçu estuary shows the success of the alien coral colonization on consolidated substrate (natural and artificial). Several studies have shown that colonization of Tubastraea species on invaded areas may be facilitated by production of allelochemicals (secondary metabolites, see Lages et al, 2010a, b) with anti-fouling and anti-predation properties capable of causing damage in native competitors (Lages et al, 2012). Thus, Tubastraea species once established at Paraguaçu estuary could reduce native species abundance (e.g., oysters and barnacles) altering the benthic structure assemblage on consolidated substrate (Lages et al, 2011;Mantelatto & Creed, 2014).…”

Mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic studies of invasive corals Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis

“…In Brazil T. coccinea and T. tagusensis are characterized as invasive and are currently found at points along the Brazilian coast (Creed, Fenner, et al, ). These sun corals are causing severe ecological, economic and social impacts in the southwest Atlantic (Creed, Junqueira, et al, ; Lages et al, ; Lages, Fleury, Pinto, & Creed, ). Recent studies by our research group have demonstrated that samples of these corals showed anti‐inflammatory activity in carrageenan‐induced edema on mouse paws and decreased nitric oxide release by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages experiments (manuscript submitted).…”