IMIS

Our study investigated the temporal and/or spatial niche differentiation of the cryptic nematode species Litoditis marina in their natural environment using a qPCR-based detection and relative quantification method. We collected different algal species (i.e. two Fucus species and Ulva sp) and separate algal structures (i.e. receptacula, thalli, non-fertile tips and bladders) at different sampling times and different months, to examine differences in microhabitat use between coexisting L. marina species. The dataset contains data from Ct values calculations which were used for statistical analyses. Separate analyses were conducted for adults and juveniles. For analysis 1, the differences in relative nematode abundances on different algal species were tested wherein we used the average on all algal structures of a single alga for Fucus spp. For analysis 2, separate tests were conducted for each Fucus species to determine differences in cryptic species composition on different algal structures.