Mediolittoral Zones Research Articles

First record of Bugula neritina (Bryozoa: Bugulidae), in the mediolittoral zone of Ibn ‎Hani Lattakia, eastern Mediterranean sea (Syria)‎

The species Bugula neritina (Linnaeus, 1758) of the Bugulidae family was observed on the artificial reefs at a depth of 15 meters, (from February to May2021) in the mediolittoral waters of Ibn Hani site (north Lattakia City, Syria). The morphological and characteristics have been used to confirm the new Bryozoa. It is the first record of this species in the Syrian marine waters. B. neritina colonies abundance are 3 colonies in 1200cm2, and they were found with coralligenous macroalgae, Codium sp (green algae), Polysiphonia sp. (red algae), Balanus and Tunicates, attached to hard substrate (artificial reefs), in salinity 39‰).

Redescription of Penicillicaris pectinimana (Car, 1884) (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Parastenheliidae)

The main aim of this study is to conduct a taxonomic revision of Penicillicaris pectinimana living in the mediolittoral zone of Türkiye. Therefore, numerous specimens of both sexes collected from Mediterranean (25 localities), Aegean (9 localities) and the Black Sea (10 localities) coasts were morphologically reexamined in detail for the first time with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopes. Hundreds of individuals belonging to Penicillicaris pectinimana populations collected from different localities were comparatively analysed in terms of inter/intra population variability. In the light of the data obtained in this study, it was revealed that Penicillicaris pectinimana has very wide distribution in Turkish coasts and it is found in all localities (except one) examined. All possible morphological details of both sexes of Penicillicaris pectinimana were redescribed for the first time in detail since it was described in 1884.

Interstitial harpacticoid (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) fauna inhabiting mediolittoral zone of the Gulf of Saros (Turkey)

The study was aimed to reveal interstitial harpacticoid copepod fauna of the Gulf of Saros (Turkey), where no detailed research has been done before on this subject. The samples were collected from 30 stations located along the mediolittoral zone of the gulf between 2013 and 2014. As a result, a total of 72 species/subspecies belonging to 44 genera in 15 families were identified. All identified taxa except Tryphoema gallipoliensis Alper et al., 2018 are new records for the study area, besides 16 species were also recorded for the first time from the Turkish seas.

Faunistic and ecological assessment of interstitial Harpacticoida (Crustacea, Copepoda) on a sandy beach in Balıkesir (Turkey)

Interstitial harpacticoids along the mediolittoral zones of Sarımsaklı Beach, Turkey, were sampled monthly between April 2016 and March 2017 in order to reveal the effects of pH, water temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and grain size on the occurrence and composition of the harpacticoids. Examination of the samples from nine stations revealed a total of 66 species. In terms of harpacticoid species abundance, Ectinosoma soyeri Apostolov, 1975 was ranked first followed by Sarsamphiascus angustipes (Gurney, 1927) and Leptomesochra eulitoralis Noodt, 1952. The variations in harpacticoid community were estimated by using some ecological indices (Species richness, Shannon’s diversity and Pielou’s evenness). Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the abiotic factors was applied for ordination of the stations. Relationships between environmental and temporal parameters as well as harpacticoid community structure were analyzed using distance-based Linear Models (DistLM). Relationships between environmental variables and most abundant species were determined with the Redundancy analysis (RDA). The abundance of S. angustipes and Klieonychocamptus ponticus (Serban and Plesa, 1957) were positively correlated with all tested variables except water temperature. The abundance of Klieonychocamptus kliei (Monard, 1935) was positively correlated with water temperature, grain size and salinity, while it was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen and pH. The abundance of Ameira sp. and Microsetella norvegica (Boeck, 1865) were negatively correlated with all tested variables except water temperature. The abundance of E. soyeri and Ameira parvula (Claus, 1866) were negatively correlated with all tested variables except pH. The abundance of Leptomesochra eulitoralis was positively correlated with water temperature and salinity, while it was negatively correlated with grain size, dissolved oxygen and pH.

Describing properties of littoral habitats from NW Mediterranean rocky shores through co-occurrence network analysis

Littoral habitats are commonly defined by environmental properties and the presence of certain dominant species. This conception relies on species’ frequencies and/or abundances, but often omits co-occurrence relationships. In an effort to incorporate this information, we here used presence-absence data from visual censuses of 16 mediolittoral habitats from North-western Mediterranean Sea rocky shores to build co-occurrence networks. These were compared to networks built using species frequency data. Network analyses were done for the entire mediolittoral zone as a unit, and for each habitat individually. For each habitat, network topology revealed central hubs of highly co-occurring species that scored high in degree and eigenvector centrality, essentially corresponding to the most frequent species, both in the mediolittoral zone as a whole and within each of the habitats. Many species, however, co-occurred disproportionately to their frequencies, which highlights the relevance of co-occurrence estimations for habitat descriptions. Some habitats had clear modules as separate habitat subunits. Values of Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness were well associated with most network metrics, but not with graph density, which helped uncover inhomogeneous species relationships within a same habitat throughout the sampling sites. The habitat features observed mostly supported current phytosociological subdivisions. This stresses the importance of network tools for depicting and describing habitat types, as they provide complementary information to conventional descriptions and may help identify habitat sub-groups, or to define unclassified habitats.

Phototrophic biofilms and microbial mats from the marine littoral of the central Mediterranean

Phototrophic biofilm and microbial mat communities grow along the rocky coastline of the Maltese islands. This research involved studying phototrophs from the mediolittoral and supralittoral zones over a two-year period and seasonal changes were observed. Attachment of pioneer microorganisms to the porous eroded limestone bedrock was facilitated via a gelatinous matrix composed of exopolymeric substances (EPS). In submerged areas, such as undisturbed rock pools, these progressively formed green or brown compact biofilms, some of which thickened over the spring to form microbial mats via the production of more extensive EPS layers. Microbial mats gradually attained a lighter colouration due to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) screening pigments. In full summer, they were observed to shrink, detach from the exposed substrate, harden and progressively calcify. Biofilm microorganisms survived the harsh summer months in sheltered areas. The major biofilm formers were filamentous non-heterocytous cyanobacteria belonging to the Leptolyngbyaceae, Pseudanabaenaceae and Oscillatoriaceae. Their sheaths were thick, lamellated and often confluent. A higher biodiversity of phototrophs was observed in late autumn and winter, when tufts of heterocytous Calothrix sp. grew on thin compact biofilms of Nodosilinea sp., Toxifilum sp. and Phormidesmis spp., while Lyngbya spp. trichomes were surrounded by thick brown sheaths. Germlings of green and brown macroalgal species belonging to Ulva, Cladophora and Sphacelaria were embedded in biofilms and microbial mats and gradually grew to form extensive macroalgal covers submerged in rock pools. Erythrotrichia sp. filaments colonised the mediolittoral zone and were confined to areas that were exposed to wave action and submerged intermittently. Over the summer, macroalgal coverage diminished and microalgal biofilms and microbial mats prevailed in rock pools.

Rasprostranjenost nezavičajne vrste kamenice Magallana gigas(Thunberg, 1793) duž istočne obale Jadrana

Non-native Pacific oyster Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793) was introduced to the Mediter-ranean Sea for aquaculture purposes in the 1960s. Although this species was not introduced for aquaculture to the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea, in the 1970s, it was reported in the Lim Bay, in the North-eastern Adriatic. Until recently, there has been no research on the species in the Croatian part of the Adriatic. The aim of this research was to summarize existing and novel data on the distribution of M. gigas in coastal areas of the Eastern Adriatic and to provide a baseline for the future monitoring and assessment programmes of the species. Distribution of M. gigas was determined by three different methods: (i) a visual census of the presence of M. gigas specimens in the medio-littoral zone; (ii) DNA identification of M. gigas larvae in the water column; and (iii) the presence of M. gigas in the subtidal zone at depth between 25 and 40 m. Magallana gigas has a well-established population in the medio-littoral zone of natural and anthropogenic habitats along the coast of the North-eastern Adriatic Sea (west coast of Istria peninsula), but it is not present in the deeper layers . In the Central-eastern and South-eastern Adriatic Sea, the species was either absent or sporadically recorded with no evidence of fully established populations. Considering the great invasion success of M. gigas worldwide and effects that this species could have on the invaded ecosystem (e.g. competition for food and space with native species), detailed future monitoring is needed for the Eastern Adriatic Sea.

The anomuran and brachyuran communities (Crustacea: Decapoda) in sheltered and exposed rocky shores from Anchieta and Guarapari regions (Espirito Santo), Brazil

Rocky shores are ecosystems susceptible to anthropic impact, and the absence of information in Brazil about their biota hampers characterization and conservation measures. Thus, this study analyzed the abundance, richness, diversity and dominance of anomuran and brachyuran communities in sheltered and exposed rocky shores in Anchieta and Guarapari on the coast of Espirito Santo State. It was also studied the community variation concerning the types of rocky shores during the rainy and dry seasons. The organisms were collected manually in the mediolittoral zone of the rocky shores from October 2014 to September 2015. Additionally, temperature and salinity of the water were measured and the rainfall recorded from a meteorological station. In this study, 3,156 individuals were collected, comprising 14 species. The hermit crabs Clibanarius antillensis and Calcinus tibicen were the most abundant species. The three-way ANOVA analysis revealed that there was no interaction between ecological indices and the study locations, rocky shores and seasons. The abundance of the decapod community was statistically different between locations. The richness and diversity indices were higher on the sheltered rocky shore because of the presence of rock fragments and heterogeneous sediments, they are providing higher availability of microhabitats in these areas. There was no relationship between the decapod community and environmental factors, possibly because of a small variation of these factors registered between rainy and dry seasons. It is concluded that the anomuran and brachyuran communities are probably more influenced by biological interactions and physiographic features of rocky shores than by environmental factors.

Seasonal abundance, vertical distribution and life history traits of Mediterranean mud shrimp Upogebia pusilla (Decapoda: Gebiidea) on the Slovenian coast

We studied seasonal abundance, vertical distribution and life history traits of the Mediterranean mud shrimp (Upogebia pusilla) in the mediolittoral zone in Slovenia. At two localities (Strunjan and Lazaret), quantitative samples from three plots (1 m2 each) at (0 cm), below (-50 cm) and above (+50 cm) mean water level were taken once every two months, in alternation. A set of parameters was also recorded, including vegetation cover, sediment type, air and sea temperature, pH, salinity and oxygen levels. Highest abundance was recorded during the warm period of the year, with peak abundance in June 2012 (21 % of total sample). Lowest plots were always occupied with the highest densities of mud shrimps. Males dominated during the winter while ovigerous females reached the peak in June (>40 % of all animals). In June at least 2/3 of females were ovigerous. Estimated mean incubation period was 31 days. We determined four periods in relation to the species’ reproductive activity. Early reproductive period (April) was characterised by emergence of first ovigerous females, while main reproductive period (May–July) was characterised by peak of reproduction. In post-reproductive (August–October), and non-reproductive (November–March) periods, no ovigerous females or newly hatched offspring were recorded.

Marine harpacticoid (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) fauna of the Dilek Peninsula (Aydın, Turkey)

Interstitial and phytal harpacticoid fauna of the mediolittoral zone of the Dilek Peninsula within the border of Aydin Province in Turkey was investigated. Harpacticoid copepods were collected from 7 different localities between 2012 and 2013. As a result, a total of 78 species and subspecies belonging to 48 genera in 18 families were determined. In terms of species richness, the family Miraciidae ranked first with 17 species, followed by Ameiridae with 12 species; Laophontidae with 11 species; Ectinosomatidae with 6 species; Dactylopusiidae, Harpacticidae, Paramesochridae, and Tisbidae with 4 species each; Arenopontiidae and Thalestridae with 3 species each; Peltidiidae and Tetragonicipitidae with 2 species each; and Canthocamptidae, Darcythompsoniidae, Latiremidae, Louriniidae, Parastenheliidae, and Porcellidiidae with 1 species each. Based on the published records, it has been determined that the families Darcythompsoniidae, Peltidiidae, and Porcellidiidae, and hence their genera and species, as well as 24 other species and 1 subspecies, are recorded here for the first time from the Turkish seas. On the other hand, all identified taxa are new records for the study area. In addition, 8 species and 1 subspecies (Ameira tenuicornis, Psyllocamptus tahuesensis, Harpacticus aff. Obscurus, Harpacticus pacificus, Laophonte plana, Laophonte lignosa, Paramesochra helgolandica, Phyllopodopsyllus gracilipes, and Scutellidium longicaudum acheloides) are recorded for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea.

A preliminary comparative assessment of the meiofaunal communities of Maltese pocket sandy beaches

Whilst the macrofaunal communities of Maltese pocket sandy beaches have been extensively studied, the meiofaunal communities of the same beaches are virtually unknown. The main aims of the current study include the acquisition of preliminary data on the occurrence of meiofaunal higher taxa on Maltese pocket sandy beaches, the comparison between the Maltese beach meiofaunal communities with those on other Mediterranean sandy beaches and the assessment of the influence of a selected number of beach physical parameters on the same communities. Seven sandy beaches in the Maltese Islands were sampled during spring 2012, with sediment samples being collected at the Mean Sea Level (mediolittoral zone). Median grain size and sediment organic and water content were measured for each beach. A total of 13 higher meiofaunal taxa were recorded from the Maltese sandy beaches. The meiofaunal abundance ranged between 50 and 1392 individuals/10 cm2, whilst the number of meiofaunal higher taxa recorded at a single sampling station ranged between 5 and 10. Mean grain size and sorting coefficient appeared to have the highest influence on variations in Maltese meiofaunal communities. Based on conducted analysis it is suggested that inter-beach dispersal of meiofaunal propagules for Maltese beaches is restricted to short distances and does not operate over distances exceeding 5–10 km. This in turn results in some degree of compartmentalisation of the same assemblages. The meiofaunal assemblages recorded from the Maltese beaches exhibited comparable densities to those recorded on other Central Mediterranean sandy beaches and no significant differences in community structure at higher taxa level were observed.

The sandy beach macrofauna of Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)

AbstractThis study describes the macrofauna of the three beaches situated in central Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia): Ouderef, Gabès and Zarrat. The Gulf of Gabès has the largest tides in the Mediterranean and the beaches showed a wide intertidal zone. The beaches were sampled once during the spring low tides of June 2005. A transect was extended at each beach, from above the drift line to below the swash line at five sampled levels; at each level six 0.05 m2 replicates were taken to a depth of 30 cm and sieved through a 1‐mm mesh, and the organisms collected and preserved. The three beaches showed a different physical environment. Sediment type was medium sand at the steeper Ouderef beach, fine sands at Gàbes beach, and very fine sands at the flatter Zarrat beach. The total number of species collected was 31: 12 crustaceans, 10 polychaetes, four molluscs and five insects. The supralittoral and mediolittoral zones were very different. The supralittoral zone was dominated by Talitrus saltator and insects. The most abundant mediolittoral species were the amphipod crustacean Bathyporeia guilliamsoniana at Ouderef beach (23069 ind.m−1), the surf clam Donax trunculus at Gabès beach (60711 ind.m−1) and the spionid polychaete Scolelepis mesnili at Zarrat beach (18345.6 ind.m−1).

A New Record for the Algal Flora of Mediterranean: Cladophora boodleoides Börgesen

The taxonomical features of Cladophora boodleoides Börgesen (Cladophorales, Chlorophyceae), recorded for the first time from Turkey and the Mediterranean, are given in this study. This sciaphilous species has been collected from the bottom of Cystoseira crinita (Desf.) Bory facies found in the mediolittoral zone of Esek island located in Sigacik bay (Aegean Sea, Turkey).

An Intertidal Zone with 13m of Tidal Amplitude and a Tideless Sea

The vertical distribution pattern of rocky shore organisms was studied along two French coasts, at Marseille with no true intertidal and in Brittany with a large tidal amplitude of 9 -13m at spring tide. A marked zonation pattern was recognized on both shores and photographs of some of the common animals and plants are presented. At Marseille, the supralittoral zone was characterized by the periwinkle Melaraphe neritoides, which was also abundant in the upper mediolittoral zone characterized by the barnacle Chthamalus stellatus. Growths of the calcareous alga Lithophyllum tortuosum were conspicuous in the lower mediolittoral zone of exposed shores. Beds of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis developed around the upper fringe of the infralittoral zone and harbored many small animals, mainly amphipods, polychaetes and mollusks. Habitat segregation was recog-nized between closely related species, e.g. between Hyale spp. and between the nereids Perinereis cultrifera and Platynereis dumerilli. Along the coast of Brittany, the zonation pattern of the inter-tidal animals and plants as reported by Lewis (1964) was found. However, in the vicinity of Dinard, the chthamalid found in the higher eulittoral zone was not Chthamalus stellatus but C. montagui. The facilities of four marine stations, “Station Marine d'Endoume”, “Laboratoire Arago”, “Station Biologique de Roscoff” and “Laboratoire Maritime de Dinard”, are also presented.