Structure and temporal dynamics of a seaweed assemblage dominated by the invasive lineage 2 of Asparagopsis taxiformis (Bonnemaisoniaceae, Rhodophyta) in the Alboran Sea

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Published: May 23, 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.1892
Keywords:
Alboran Sea Biomass Evenness Invasive species Gametophyte Shannon index Species richness
MARIANELA ZANOLLA
Universidad de Málaga, Departamento de Biología Vegetal (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga
RAQUEL CARMONA
Universidad de Málaga, Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos s/n 29071 Málaga
JULIO DE LA ROSA
Universidad de Granada, Departamento de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada
MARÍA ALTAMIRANO
Universidad de Málaga, Departamento de Biología Vegetal (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga
Abstract

Asparagopsis taxiformis is a rhodophycean species composed of six genetic lineages, one of which is considered a relevant invasive component of the Mediterranean flora. In the present study we describe seasonal changes of the structure and biomass of the native community associated to Asparagopsis taxiformis in Granada (Southern Spain). Native community was represented by 18 Rhodophyta, 3 Chlorophyta and 4 Ochrophyta species. Biomass was dominated by A. taxiformis and Halopteris filicina. While in January A. taxiformis accounted for only 16% of the community biomass, an explosive dominance was observed only two months later, representing more than 90% of the algal biomass. Furthermore, low and generally stable values of species richness, Shannon’s diversity index and evenness were recorded during the study period. Given that A. taxiformis gametophytes are present year round, they are likely to pose a constant stress to native community development. This survey provides baseline information of macroalgal community structure useful for further studies to assess the true impact of the invasive lineage of A. taxiformis.

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Author Biography
MARIANELA ZANOLLA, Universidad de Málaga, Departamento de Biología Vegetal (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga
Departamento de Biología Vegetal (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga.
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