Physiological responses of Ampithoe valida and its feeding potential on Ulva prolifera

Abstract

Large numbers of Amphipoda feed on floating green tide macroalgae in the Yellow Sea, among which Ampithoe valida has a high abundance in the stable and decline periods. Amphipoda preferentially feed on Ulva. Under different temperatures, salinities, and pH, the physiological responses of A. valida and its feeding potential on Ulva prolifera were investigated, along with its physiological responses during green tide blooms in the Southern Yellow Sea. Ampithoe valida could survive within a temperature range of 5–30 °C, salinity of 5–40, and pH of 4–10. Optimal environmental conditions for growth were temperature 15–25 °C, salinity 10–40, and pH 6–10. At temperatures of 5–30 °C, salinities of 5–35, and pH of 4–9, A. valida could effectively reduce U. prolifera biomass. The feeding ability of A. valida was greatest in 25–30 °C, 10–25 salinity, and neutral seawater, exceeding 5 mg·ind.−1·d−1. During green tide outbreaks in the Southern Yellow Sea from May to August, the monthly average sea surface temperature, salinity, and pH range is 17.5–27.3 °C, 23.8–29.6, and 7.87–8.17, respectively, within which A. valida showed well growth and could effectively reduce U. prolifera biomass. Finally, this study further discussed the possibility of A. valida as a biological method to control green tide.