Structure of gorgonian epifaunal communities in Ecuador (eastern Pacific)

Soler-Hurtado, M. Mar; Megina, César; López–González, Pablo J.

doi:10.1007/s00338-018-1697-7

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…In the Gulf of Mexico, gorgonians of the genus Leptogorgia maintain associations with various species; for example, some shrimps obtain protection from these corals by developing cryptic color patterns, or these gorgonians can act as a food source for some species of mollusks (Wicksten & Cox, 2011). In Ecuador, dense communities of species associated with Leptogorgia manabiensis Soler‐Hurtado, Megina, Machordom & López‐González, 2017 and L. obscura Bielschowsky, 1918 have been reported, dominated by brittle stars and amphipods (Soler‐Hurtado et al, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of the alien octocoral Carijoa riisei on benthic fauna assemblages on natural and artificial substrates

et al. 2023

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Carijoa riisei is an invasive octocoral whose dispersal in the tropics has increased considerably in recent years. This study evaluated the changes in the benthic fauna assemblages associated with C. riisei growing on rocks from a sea port and on the metal of a submerged shipwreck in the bays of Manzanillo, Colima, in the Mexican Central Pacific. Quarterly samples were collected between April 2021 and January 2022, with the presence or absence of C. riisei. The effect of C. riisei on the benthic fauna according to the type of substrate was evaluated with PERMANOVA models. The presence of C. riisei was found to affect taxonomic diversity. In the absence of the octocoral, 209 species were recorded, whereas in its presence, 190 were found. The decline of taxa occurred at the level of families, genera, and species. The interaction of the presence/absence of C. riisei and substrate generated significant changes in the Shannon (1D) and Simpson (2D) diversity indexes. However, the presence of C. riisei coincided with higher abundances of Ophiothela mirabilis, Ericthonius brasiliensis, and Pseudobranchiomma schizogenica. In conclusion, the snowflake coral favors the dominance of some species and reduces the biological diversity of several taxa, mainly mollusks, polychaetes, sipunculids, and anthozoans, generating significant changes in the structure of benthic communities. This study highlights the need to evaluate species composition in areas where the octocoral grows, to determine whether its presence has an ecological impact and whether control measures are required.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of the alien octocoral Carijoa riisei on benthic fauna assemblages on natural and artificial substrates

et al. 2023

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“…They can be observed forming dense "tree-like" communities on the seafloor, also known as "animal forests", including several gorgonians from the families of Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae [3,5]. Furthermore, they provide habitats and shelter to other marine invertebrates [3,6,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, seven new records of octocoral species and one new species were reported for coastal Ecuador [12]. In addition, Soler-Hurtado, Megina, and Lopez-Gonzalez (2018) [7] described the octocoral community formed by Leptogorgia in Machalilla National Park and Steiner et al (2018) [13] the community structure of shallow water Alcyonaceans from El Pelado Marine Reserve (REMAPE) in the province of Santa Elena.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Octocoral Distribution Patterns at the Equatorial Front (Tropical Eastern Pacific): Muricea and Leptogorgia

Abad

Jaramillo

Castro-Rodas

et al. 2022

Oceans

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The Equatorial Front, in the southern part of the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) region, has been characterized as a hotspot of functional biodiversity due to the mixing of warm and cold waters. Nevertheless, the biogeographic patterns for some organisms, such as octocorals, remain unknown in some coastal regions. Therefore, we aimed to assess the distribution of two common octocoral genera in this area, Muricea and Leptogorgia, including 14 species based on museum specimen records, along the mainland coast of Ecuador. Statistical analyses were performed on the environmental and geographical patterns (Sea Surface Temperature (SST), bathymetry, chlorophyll (CHL-a), and Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR)) that influence the Equatorial Front, which is subdivided into five biogeographic regions. Our results showed two hotspots of octocoral biodiversity. The SST was found to be the main environmental factor related to octocoral distribution along the Equatorial Front. Finally, the highest abundance of Muricea over Leptogorgia suggests the former species’ higher resilience to thermal fluctuations. We discuss the possible role of substrates at suitable depths, active photosynthetic radiation, and temperature in the occurrence of octocorals in the two hotspots.

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“…However, specialized associations are more common between mobile species and sessile invertebrates (e.g. commensal/symbiotic relationships with corals, sponges, gorgonians, anemones) (Poore et al, 2000; Stella, Jones & Pratchett, 2010; Soler‐Hurtado, Megina & López‐González, 2018). Moreover, specialized associations are favoured in predictable environments; evolution of resource partitioning strategies and niche specialization are hindered when conditions are highly variable (MacArthur, 1970; Vázquez & Stevens, 2004; Ricklefs, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the vulnerability of coralligenous epifauna to macroalgal invasions

Navarro‐Barranco

Moreira

Espinosa

et al. 2021

Aquatic Conservation

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This work constitutes the first comprehensive study of the epifaunal response to biological invasions in coralligenous habitats, which are one of the main hotspots of biodiversity in the Mediterranean. The epifaunal community inhabiting the invasive macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae and other dominant sessile hosts on coralligenous habitats (i.e. the sponge Spongia lamella, the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata, and the macroalga Sphaerococcus coronopifolius) was characterized. A total of 137 taxa were found. There was a lack of functional equivalence between macroalgal species (both native and invasive) and sessile invertebrates. Despite the absence of significant differences in mean density values and number of species per replicate among host species, epifaunal composition on gorgonians and sponges differed significantly from that on both macroalgae. Epifaunal assemblages, especially those inhabiting macroalgal species, were dominated by generalist detritivorous species that can inhabit different hosts, while specialized interactions between mobile epifauna and sessile hosts were observed almost exclusively on sessile invertebrates. Moreover, epifaunal community associated with invertebrate hosts showed higher spatial heterogeneity in comparison with native and invasive macroalgae. A competitive displacement of native hosts by the spreading of R. okamurae on coralligenous habitats would likely result in a biotic impoverishment in terms of overall number of species and a taxonomical and functional homogenization of the epifaunal community. Specialist species with a heterogeneous distribution could be gradually replaced by a spatially homogeneous assemblage dominated by generalist species.

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Structure of gorgonian epifaunal communities in Ecuador (eastern Pacific)

Cited by 6 publications

References 84 publications

Effect of the alien octocoral Carijoa riisei on benthic fauna assemblages on natural and artificial substrates

Effect of the alien octocoral Carijoa riisei on benthic fauna assemblages on natural and artificial substrates

Octocoral Distribution Patterns at the Equatorial Front (Tropical Eastern Pacific): Muricea and Leptogorgia

Evaluating the vulnerability of coralligenous epifauna to macroalgal invasions

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