Date of this Version
2-23-2017
Document Type
Article
Rights
default
Abstract
As marine tropical ecosystems deteriorate and lose biodiversity, their communities are shifting to dominance of a few species, altering ecosystem’s functioning and services. Macroalgae are are becoming dominant on coral reefs, and frequently observed outcompeting corals. Turf algal assemblages are the base of energy flow in these systems and one of the most abundant types of macroalgae on coral reefs, but little is known about their biology and diversity. Through molecular and morphological analyses, we established the proper identity of the turf-forming species Laurencia cervicornis, and by studying seasonal recruitment and the impact of herbivorous fishes on its abundance, we describe its survival strategy. The molecular analyses using a total of 45 rbcL gene sequences including eight current genera within the Laurencia complex and two new sequences of L. cervicornis, strongly support the new combination of Palisada cervicornis comb. nov. In addition, a detailed morphological characterization including the description of reproductive structures, is provided. P. cervicornis was seen recruiting in all seasons but was typically in low abundance. Specimens grown on tiles in fish exclosure cages were devoured in less than 4 hours when offered to fishes. Even though many species of the Laurencia complex have chemicals that deter herbivory, species within the genus Palisada lack feeding deterrents and are highly palatable. We suggest that P. cervicornis is a palatable species that seems to survive in the community by obtaining a size-refuge from herbivory within turf communities..
Identifier
FIDC006367
Recommended Citation
Collado-Vides, Ligia; Duran, Alain; Armenis, Elizabeth; Cassano, Valéria; Burkepile, Deron; Shantz, Andrew A.; Palma, Laura; Díaz-Larrea, Jhoana; and Sentíes, Abel, "Seasonal Recruitment and Survival Strategies of Palisada Cervicornis Comb. Nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in Coral Reefs" (2017). Center for Coastal Oceans Research Faculty Publications. 23.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/merc_fac/23
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Comments
Post Print Version.
Version of record published by the Journal of Phycology.