Abstract
Abstract An extensive algal sampling programme was undertaken at Fancy Point, south-east Tasmania, to assess the factors affecting the dispersion of motile animals associated with macroalgae within the study area. Water depth was found to have the greatest influence on the distribution of the phytal fauna. Amphipods peaked in abundance in shallow water (≈2 m depth) while isopods and molluscs were most common in the deepest (> 5 m) areas investigated. Within a depth zone there were quantitative differences in the abundances of animal species on dissimilar algae. These differences were partly caused by a close correspondence between algal shape and faunal size structure. Small animals, particularly amphipods, were more likely to be present on filamentous algae than on plants with wide thalli, while larger animals showed the opposite response. This effect was relatively independent of animal species and possibly resulted from changes in predation pressure by fish foraging amongst algae of different shape.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call