Algal complexity positively affects the abundance, richness and diversity of molluscan assemblages of a semiarid hypersaline mangrove
de Souza Duarte, R.C.; Mota, E.L.S.; Dias, T.L.P. (2020). Algal complexity positively affects the abundance, richness and diversity of molluscan assemblages of a semiarid hypersaline mangrove. Aquat. Ecol. 54(4): 1001-1013. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10452-020-09789-3
In: Aquatic Ecology. Springer: Dordrecht; London; Boston. ISSN 1386-2588; e-ISSN 1573-5125, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- de Souza Duarte, R.C.
- Mota, E.L.S.
- Dias, T.L.P.
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| Abstract |
Marine macroalgae serve as habitats that provide ideal shelter for a rich and diverse community of associated molluscs, but the true effects of the complexity of these habitats on fauna are still poorly understood. Replicates of four macroalgal species: Gracilaria domingensis (Kützing) Sonder ex Dickie 1874, Solieria filiformis (Kützing) Gabrielson 1985, Gracilaria cuneata Sonder ex Kützing 1859 and Dictyota ciliolata Areschoug 1854 of a hypersaline estuary were collected to investigate the effects that macroalgal habitat complexity index has on the abundance, richness and diversity of associated molluscs. Habitat complexity index was determined by measuring several morphological attributes of each replicate of the four macroalgae species as well as weight and the fractal dimension. The studied macroalgae differed in habitat complexity index, with Gracilaria domingensis being the most complex. Microgastropods were the most species rich and abundant group of molluscs with 59 of 90 species and 876 of the total 1006 individuals. Mollusc community abundance and diversity differed significantly among the studied species of macroalgae. Habitat complexity had a positive effect on associated mollusc abundance, richness and diversity. This study revealed a rich biodiversity of micromolluscs associated with the studied macroalgae and reinforces the positive effects that increased habitat complexity has on the coexistence of this rich and diverse fauna in phytal ecosystems. Conservation efforts to protect hypersaline mangroves should include the protection of macroalgae banks as an important tool for habitat management and the maintenance of the associated biota. |
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