Temporal and spatial variability in shallow- and deep-water populations of the invasive Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea in the Western Mediterranean

The invasive green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea represents an important threat to the diversity of Mediterranean benthic coastal ecosystems by interfering with native species and modifying benthic assemblages. The present study deals, for the first time, with the temporal and spatial variability of the biomass and phenology of C. racemosa considering both deep- and shallow-water populations. Two sampling depths (30 and 10 m) were sampled at three different rocky bottom sites every 3 months in the Archipelago of Cabrera National Park (Western Mediterranean). All morphometric variables analysed showed a spatial variation and temporal patterns depending on depth. Between depths, C. racemosa biomass, stolon length, number of fronds and frond length were usually significantly higher at deep-water populations, suggesting that C. racemosa grows better in deep-waters. Deep- and shallow-water populations displayed a high temporal variation although no evidence of seasonal patterns was found, in contrast with what has been reported by other authors. The sources of this variability are still unknown but probably both physical factors and differential herbivory pressures display a key role.     

Macroalgal assemblages of disturbed coastal detritic bottoms subject to invasive species

Characteristic flora and fauna that are highly sensitive to disturbances colonize coastal detritic bottoms in the Mediterranean Sea. In the present study, a comparison of the assemblage composition and colonization by invasive macroalgae was made between two coastal detritic macrophyte assemblages, one dominated by rhodoliths (free-living non-geniculate Corallinales) and the other dominated by fleshy algae, in an area that has been exposed to important levels of anthropogenic disturbance, mainly pollution (including changed sedimentation regimes) in the recent past (bay of Marseilles, France). In comparison with less strongly impacted Mediterranean regions, the macrophyte assemblages in the bay of Marseilles were characteristic in terms of species identity and richness of coastal detritic macrophyte assemblages. However, extremely low species abundance (cover) was observed. As far as invasive species were concerned, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea was only abundant in the rhodolith assemblage whereas the two invasive Rhodophyta Asparagopsis armata and Womersleyella setacea were mainly found in the fleshy algae assemblage. The seasonality observed in the Rhodolith assemblage seemed to be related to the development of C. racemosa var. cylindracea and did not follow the typical pattern of other Mediterranean assemblages. This study represents the first study of coastal detritic assemblages invaded by C. racemosa var. cylindracea.     

Comparison between amphipod assemblages associated with Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea and those of other Mediterranean habitats on soft substrate

The spread of the invasive alga Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea in shallow-water habitats can present different faunal assemblage composition. We compared the amphipod assemblages associated with C. racemosa and natural habitats found on shallow-water Mediterranean soft substrata. Four vegetated habitats were compared: C. racemosa, Caulerpa prolifera, Cymodocea nodosa and Posidonia oceanica with unvegetated substrata. Samples were collected during two sampling periods (September 2004 and March 2005). A total of 63 amphipod species were recorded. The results showed that the vegetated habitats sampled, including C. racemosa stands, supported a higher abundance and species richness of amphipods. Furthermore, the assemblage structure differed between the different habitats, while the abundance of some species was significantly different, depending on habitat. For example, Microdeutopus obtusatus was favoured by C. racemosa habitat; Ampelisca diadema was associated with C. prolifera beds; and Hyale schmidti was more abundant in P. oceanica meadows. Habitat invasion by C. racemosa can exert an important influence on biotic assemblages, modifying habitat structure and associated fauna.     

改性粘土对球形棕囊藻(Phaeocystis globosa)和东海原甲藻(Prorocentrum donghaiense)的去除作用

利用改性粘土去除藻华生物是目前有害藻华应急处置最常用的方法。本文研究了六种铝盐改性粘土(PAC-MC、PAFC-MC、PAFCs-MC、AC-MC、AS-MC、PAS-MC)对藻华生物球形棕囊藻(Phaeocystis globosa)、东海原甲藻(Prorocentrum donghaiense)的去除效率,考察了悬浮液pH、改性粘土颗粒表面电位及粒径分布等因子对去除效率的影响。结果显示:不同赤潮生物由于生物特征不同,其去除效率存在较大差异,PAC-MC、PAFC-MC、PAFCs-MC对东海原甲藻有较高的去除效率,但对于球形棕囊藻去除能力较差;AC-MC、AS-MC、PAS-MC对两种藻华生物均有较好的去除效果,但对水体酸碱扰动较大,在pH敏感水域应注意用量;对于同一种改性粘土,提高铝离子含量、增加改性粘土浓度有利于除藻效率的提升;自絮凝程度越低、表面正电性越强(或负电性越弱)、悬浮液pH值越低的改性粘土,除藻能力越强。本研究进一步为改性粘土应急处置有害藻华提供了参考。     

合浦珠母贝代谢产物对异枝麒麟菜生长的促进作用

于１９９５年４月间在海南省三亚市、陵水县分别采集合浦珠母贝和异枝麒麟菜并进行混养实验，测定贝释放的三氮（ＮＨ４－Ｎ，ＮＯ３－Ｎ，ＮＯ２－Ｎ）以及藻类对贝释放的三氮的吸收及其生长，在期探讨合浦珠母贝代谢产物促进异枝麒麟菜生长的原因。结果表明，贝释放物中以ＮＨ４－Ｎ为主，ＮＯ３－Ｎ次之，ＮＯ２－Ｎ含量较少；藻对三氮的吸收 依此顺序递减。实验组藻体的生长速率明显高于对照组的，在模拟实验组中，通过加入无机     

Effect of UV-B radiation on the population dynamics of the rotifer Brachionus urceus

The effect of UV-B radiation enhancement at experimental doses of 0.00,0.24,0.48,0.72,0.96,and 1.20 kJ/m 2 on the population dynamics of the rotifer Brachionus urceus feeding on the alga Chlorella sp.was studied under controlled laboratory conditions using clonal culture and life-table techniques.The results show that UV-B radiation treatment significantly shortened the survival time of the rotifer (P <0.05): The longest survival time (336 h) occurred in the control (0.00 kJ/m 2 ) while the shortest (222 h) occurred when exposed to the highest UV-B radiation treatment (1.20 kJ/m 2 ).The fecundity of the rotifer B.urceus was enhanced by the lower UV-B radiation treatment (0.24 and 0.48 kJ/m 2 ) but inhibited by the higher treatments (0.96 and 1.20 kJ/m 2 ).Life expectancy also was obviously affected by UV-B radiation (P <0.05).The highest life expectancy occurred in the control (0.00 kJ/m 2 ),and it became shorter with increasing doses of UV-B radiation.The resutls in the present study indicate that the life expectancy of the rotifer B.urceus can be used as an indicator for UV-B radiation enhancement.     

斑节对虾TSG101基因的克隆及表达分析

为探究肿瘤易感基因101(简称TSG101)对斑节对虾(Penaeusmonodon)的免疫应答作用,了解在细菌刺激下斑节对虾的机体发生的变化机制,本研究以哈维弧菌(Vibrioharveyi)和金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphylococcusaureus)为实验组,以磷酸缓冲液(PBS)为对照组,通过荧光定量分析展开对斑节对虾对菌刺激的免疫应答作用。结果显示,斑节对虾的TSG101在各组织中均有表达,在肝胰腺中的表达量最高。在金黄色葡萄球菌刺激下,斑节对虾的TSG101在肝胰腺中的表达量与对照组相比呈极显著上调(P0.01),第12小时的TSG101 mRNA的表达量达到最大(为对照组的21.60倍);在鳃中的表达量与对照组相比呈极显著上调(P0.01),第6小时斑节对虾TSG101的表达量达到最大值(为对照组的3.64倍)。在注射哈维弧菌第9小时,肝胰腺中的PmTSG101 mRNA表达量极显著上调(P0.01)且达到最大(为对照组的2.50倍)。实验结果初步表明,斑节TSG101参与斑节对虾的先天免疫反应,在金黄色葡萄球菌和哈维弧菌的刺激的情况下,该基因RNA水平的表达情况发生明显变化。     

副溶血弧菌（Vibrioparahaemolyticus）tdh2基因和鳗弧菌（Kanguillarum）ompU基因二联DNA疫苗制备及其对大菱鲆（Scophthalmusmaximus）免疫保护作用

采用基因工程的方法,将副溶血弧菌的热稳定直接溶血素基因tdh2和鳗弧菌外膜蛋白基因ompU进行融合,在大肠杆菌中得到表达,并利用该融合基因构建二联DNA疫苗pEGFP．N1／tdh2-ompU。用DNA疫苗按10和50μg／尾的剂量通过肌肉注射免疫大菱鲆,对大菱鲆抵抗致病性副溶血弧菌和鳗弧菌的免疫效果进行研究。结果表明...     

Functional changes due to invasive species: Food web shifts at shallow Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds colonized by the alien macroalga Caulerpa racemosa

Multiple stable isotope analyses were used to examine the trophic shifts at faunal assemblages within the invading macroalga Caulerpa racemosa in comparison to established communities of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. Sampling of macrobenthic invertebrates and their potential food sources of algal mats and seagrass meadows in Mallorca (NW Mediterranean) showed differences in species composition of faunal and primary producers among seagrass and C. racemosa. Accordingly, changes in food web structure and trophic guilds were observed, not only at species level but also at community level. The carbon and nitrogen isotope signatures of herbivores, detritivores and deposit feeders confirmed that the seagrass provided a small contribution to the macrofaunal organisms. δ¹³C at the P. oceanica seagrass and at the C. racemosa assemblages differed, ranging from −6.19 to −21.20‰ and −2.67 to −31.41‰, respectively. δ¹⁵N at the Caulerpa mats was lower (ranging from 2.64 to 10.45‰) than that at the seagrass meadows (3.51–12. 94‰). Significant differences in isotopic signatures and trophic level among trophic guilds at P. oceanica and C. racemosa were found. N fractionation at trophic guild level considerable differed between seagrass and macroalgae mats, especially for detritivores, deposit feeders, and herbivores. Filter feeders slightly differed with a relatively lower N signal at the seagrass and CR values at community level and at trophic guild level were higher in the C. racemosa invaded habitats indicating an increase in diversity of basal resource pools. C. racemosa did seem to broaden the niche diversity of the P. oceanica meadows it colonised at the base of the food web, may be due to the establishment of a new basal resource. The extent of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem functioning is a fundamental issue in conservation ecology. The observed changes in invertebrate and macrophytic composition, stable isotope signatures of concomitant species and consequent trophic guild and niche breadth shifts at invaded Caulerpa beds increase our understanding of the seagrass systems.     

牙鲆gnrh基因的表达分析

本文通过qPCR方法,研究了我国重要海水鱼类——牙鲆（Paralichthys olivaceus）雌、雄成体组织以及性腺分化期的脑、性腺中gnrh1、gnrh2和gnrh3的表达水平。结果显示,gnrh1分布于所有检测的组织：在脑、垂体、肾脏和肝脏中高表达,在性腺中表达相对较低;gnrh2则在雌、雄性的肝脏以及雄性的肠、肾脏、眼睛和头肾中;而gnrh3只在雄性的肾脏、眼睛和肌肉中检测到微弱表达。人工诱导的牙鲆雌核发育鱼苗分别用17β-雌二醇（E₂）和17α-甲基睾酮（MT）处理,使其分化为雌性或雄性个体表型。在性腺分化期的脑中,gnrh1的表达呈现上升趋势,在全长（total length,TL）4 cm鱼苗中,E₂组的表达显著高于MT组（P<0.05）;gnrh2在2 cm TL时E₂组显著高于MT组（P<0.05）,随后在E₂和对照组的表达水平均出现下降趋势;gnrh3在2 cm TL时E₂和对照组的表达均显著高于MT组（P<0.05）,自6 cm TL时MT和E₂组的表达开始下降。在性腺中,三种gnrh在性腺分化前2 cm TL表达量都相对较高,随后呈现下降趋势。综上,推测牙鲆gnrh1可能参与了性腺分化的启动、分化过程及性腺发育,gnrh2主要参与了性腺分化的启动,gnrh3主要参与了性腺分化的启动和分化过程。     

Does the invasive plant Elymus athericus modify fish diet in tidal salt marshes?

The invasion of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay salt marshes (France) by a grass species (Elymus athericus) has led to important changes in vegetation cover, which is likely to modify the habitat for many invertebrates. Some of them constitute the main food items for several fish species, such as young sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus), that feed in salt marsh creeks during high tides. As a result, fish nursery functions of salt marshes could be modified by the E. athericus invasion. In order to test this hypothesis, gut contents of the two most abundant fish species (sea bass and sand goby) were compared before and after E. athericus invasion in the same salt marsh creek and using the same methodology. The accessibility and availability of the main food item, the semi-terrestrial amphipod Orchestia gammarella, were estimated and compared between invaded (dominated by E. athericus) and original areas (dominated by Atriplex portulacoides). Gut content analysis showed a significantly greater percentage of fish leaving with empty guts from E. athericus areas than from A. portulacoides areas. The sea bass diet composition study showed a major shift in the relative importance of the main food items: before E. athericus invasion, diets were dominated by the semi-terrestrial species O. gammarella, whereas after the E. athericus invasion they were dominated by a marine mysid Neomysis integer. The same trend was found for sand gobies, with a shift of the main food item from O. gammarella before invasion to the polychaete Hediste diversicolor after invasion. These trophic changes may be explained by the lower accessibility and availability of O. gammarella in invaded communities than in natural ones. The E. athericus invasion, observed throughout northern Europe, is thus likely to disturb trophic function of natural salt marshes for fish. This preliminary study of the E. athericus invasion is also an illustration that invasive species are an urgent problem in conservation biology.     

哈维弧菌和鲍类疱疹病毒刺激对杂色鲍免疫相关因子的影响

以哈维弧菌(Vibrio harveyi)、鲍类疱疹病毒(Abalone herpesvirus,Ab HV)悬液对杂色鲍(Haliotis diversicolor)注射刺激,研究其血淋巴中可溶性总蛋白浓度,免疫相关酶超氧化物歧化酶(Superoxide Dismutase,SOD)、酸性磷酸酶(Acid Phosphatase,ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(Alkaline Phosphatase,AKP)活性的变化,杂色鲍外套膜、鳃、肝胰腺、腹足中血蓝蛋白(Hemocyanin,Hc)基因Hc1、Hc2相对表达量的变化以及感染后杂色鲍无细胞血浆的抑菌性。结果显示:(1)杂色鲍血淋巴中可溶性总蛋白浓度变化显著,呈现出先升高后降低的趋势。(2)无细胞血浆中的SOD、ACP、AKP活性与对照组相比变化显著,哈维弧菌注射组的SOD活性在感染后第6小时显著升高;Ab HV注射组SOD活性与对照组比较在注射后的各个时相均呈下降趋势,从注射后6 h各个时相的SOD活性与对照组相比均差异显著(P0.05)。哈维弧菌注射组ACP活性在注射后的第48小时显著升高;Ab HV注射组ACP活性在注射后的第12小时显著升高。哈维弧菌注射组AKP活性在注射后48 h显著升高;AbHV注射组AKP活性在注射后第12小时显著升高。(3)杂色鲍外套膜、鳃、肝胰腺以及腹足中血蓝蛋白两个基因Hc1、Hc2的相对表达量均在注射后的不同时间点出现升高。(4)杂色鲍无细胞血淋巴对哈维弧菌、创伤弧菌和溶珊瑚弧菌这三种贝类病原均表现出了不同程度的抑菌性增强的作用。这些结果表明细菌和病毒的刺激引起了杂色鲍免疫相关因子的变化,使得血淋巴的抑菌性增强。本研究为今后进一步研究杂色鲍的非特异性免疫以及在生产实践中应用免疫技术防治病害提供参考。     

Short-term consequences of a benthic cyanobacterial bloom (Lyngbya majuscula Gomont) for fish and penaeid prawns in Moreton Bay (Queensland, Australia)

This study examined the phenology and ecological consequences of a benthic filamentous cyanobacterial bloom (Lyngbya majuscula) in Deception Bay (Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia). Bloom initiation occurred in mid December 1999 and expanded to encompass an 8 km² area by April 2000. Small fish and penaeid prawns (<25 cm total length) were quantitatively sampled through periods designated as before, during and after the bloom using a combination of pop-netting within mangroves and beam trawling over adjacent seagrass beds. Data on larger-bodied fish were compiled from daily fishing logs provided by local commercial fishers. Changes in dry mass of bloom material caught in nets and changes in water chemistry were also measured. Mean concentrations of ammonia-N in residual water within mangroves were several orders of magnitude higher in the affected area than in the control and dissolved oxygen was markedly lower in affected areas. Across the study area, mean density, live mass and number of species declined during the bloom, with fish assemblages using mangroves showing greater decline than assemblages using seagrasses. Response at the species level was highly variable; generally, epibenthic species showed a more sustained decline than demersals. Mean monthly fish catch was significantly lower in bloom than non-bloom years. This study has also demonstrated that throughout the bloom, the affected area continued to support a highly diverse and abundant fish and prawn assemblage, and probably maintained its function as an important nursery habitat for many species.     

Low densities of sea urchins influence the structure of algal assemblages in the western Mediterranean

Numerous studies of interactions between urchins and algae in temperate areas have shown an important structuring effect of sea urchin populations. These studies focused almost wholly on the effect of high urchin densities on laminarian forests. In contrast, algal communities below 5–6 m depth in the northwestern Mediterranean are characterised by low sea urchin densities (<5 ind m⁻²) and the absence of laminarian forests. No previous research has addressed sea urchin/algal interactions in this type of community. To determine the effect of the most abundant echinoid species, Paracentrotus lividus, on well-established algal communities in this area, we performed a removal–reintroduction experiment in rocky patches located between 13 and 16 m depth in the northwestern Mediterranean, where sea urchin densities ranged between 0.9 and 3.4 ind m⁻². After 6 months, the cover of non-crustose algae was significantly higher in the plots from which sea urchins had been removed than in control plots (84 vs 67% cover). These removal plots reverted to their original state upon reintroduction of sea urchins. The non-crustose algae consisted of turfing and frondose forms, with the former representing some 70% of the non-crustose algal cover. Change in the cover of turfing algae was responsible for the significant increase in algal development in the sea urchin removal plots. The response of frondose algae to the treatment varied between algal species. It is concluded that grazing by P. lividus exerts a significant effect on habitat structure, even in communities with low sea urchin densities, such as those found in vast areas of the Mediterranean sublittoral.     

军曹鱼(Rachycentron canadum)幼鱼对环境低氧胁迫氧化应激与能量利用指标的响应

本文探究环境低氧对军曹鱼(Rachycentron canadum)氧化应激和能量利用指标的影响,为军曹鱼的健康养殖提供参考依据。通过设置低氧胁迫–恢复实验,将军曹鱼幼鱼(平均体质量(220.67±20.73)g)在低氧((2.64±0.25)mg/L)胁迫3 h及复氧((6.34±0.15)mg/L)8 h、24 h和48 h后,测定其肝脏和肌肉组织的氧化应激与能量利用指标。结果显示,低氧胁迫后,肝脏中丙二醛(Malondialdehyde,MDA)、过氧化氢酶(Catalase,CAT)和谷胱甘肽还原酶(Glutathione Reductase,GR)活力均显著低于对照组(p<0.05),乳酸脱氢酶(Lactate Dehydrogenase,LDH)活性显著高于对照组(p <0.05);肌肉中MDA和脂质过氧化物(Lipid Peroxidase,LPO)活性均显著低于对照组(p<0.05),超氧化物歧化酶(Superoxide Dismutase,SOD)和LDH活性均显著高于对照组(p<0.05);肌糖原和肝糖原含量极显著低于对照组(p<0.0...     

GFP标记的迟缓爱德华菌感染诸氏鲻虾虎鱼后组织分布研究

为探讨迟缓爱德华菌(Edwarsiellatarda)入侵途径,建立感染模型,作者通过电转化法构建GFP标记的迟缓爱德华菌EtMc1512(质粒PMDpp-EGFP),实验设立浸泡组、腹腔注射组和肌肉注射组,感染后采集各组实验诸氏鲻虾虎鱼(Mugilogobius chulae)血液、鳃、肝脏、肠、肌肉,培养法统计分析各组织中的荧光细菌数;浸泡组取样时间为0、2、4、6、8、12、24 h,腹腔注射组和肌肉注射组取样时间为6、12、24、48、72、96h。结果显示,构建的EtMc1512-GFP具有较强荧光,GFP标记前后菌株毒力基因(citC、mukF、esrB、katB、fimA、gadB)检测结果均为阳性。浸泡感染后实验鱼各组织内的荧光菌随时间表现为先升后降的趋势,最高菌量出现在肠道(2.51×106CFU/g),其次为鳃(4.19×104CFU/g)、血液(1.65×104CFU/g),肠道荧光菌显著高于其他组织(P0.05);腹腔注射感染后肝脏(4.55×106CFU/g)和血液(4.65×106CFU/g)菌量最高;肌肉注射感染后肌肉在48h首先检出荧光菌,血液(2.93×104 CFU/g)菌量最高。结果表明,肠道、肝脏和肌肉分别是迟缓爱德华菌浸泡感染、腹腔注射感染和肌肉注射感染诸氏鲻虾虎鱼的主要组织器官,在自然条件下迟缓爱德华菌经口感染诸氏鲻虾虎鱼风险较高。     

蝉花菌质(Isaria cicadae)对大黄鱼(Larimichthys crocea)幼鱼生长、免疫和肠道菌群的影响

试验目的旨在研究蝉花菌质(Isaria cicadae)对大黄鱼(Larimichthys crocea)幼鱼生长性能、抗氧化和免疫、肠道组织形态以及肠道菌群等方面的影响,为大黄鱼绿色饲料添加剂的开发和利用提供参考。将初始体重为(16.50±1.10) g的大黄鱼幼鱼随机分成4组,对照组(IC0)不添加蝉花菌质,试验组分别添加1%(IC1)、3%(IC3)和5%(IC5)的蝉花菌质。试验结果表明:试验组的增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。IC3与IC5组的肝体比(HSI)显著低于对照组(P<0.05),与IC1组差异不显著(P>0.05)。IC5组脏体比(VSI)显著低于对照组,但与其他试验组之间差异不显著(P<0.05)。肌肉和全鱼体成分各组之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。试验组肝脏过氧化氢酶(CAT)和血清溶菌酶(LZM)的活性显著高于对照组(P<0.05),各试验组间无显著性差异(P>0.05)。对照组单根绒毛杯状细胞数量显著少于各试验组(P<0.05),各试验组间无显著性差异(P>0.05...     

繁茂膜海绵清除大肠杆菌的过程

通过分析海绵清除大肠杆菌的过程,研究海绵净化细菌的机理。作者利用荧光显微镜和激光共聚焦显微镜观测等手段,监测和分析了绿色荧光大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli)在繁茂膜海绵(Hymeniacidon perlevis)体内、体外水环境中数量变化过程。在1 L含有3×107个/m L绿色荧光大肠杆菌的海水中放入鲜重(1.02±0.11)g的繁茂膜海绵24块,处理7 h,海水中的荧光大肠杆菌数量逐渐降低;而海绵体内荧光大肠杆菌数量在2 h时内逐渐增多,之后的2 h趋于稳定,4 h以后开始逐渐减少。水体中大肠杆菌不仅进入海绵体内,而且进入海绵细胞内。含有荧光大肠杆菌的海绵块转入无菌海水中后,海绵体内及细胞中大肠杆菌逐渐消失,而且大肠杆菌没有被释放到环境海水中。分析表明,繁茂膜海绵能够以摄食的方式净化水环境中的大肠杆菌。     

Comparison of the fish assemblages associated with Posidonia oceanica after the partial loss and consequent fragmentation of the meadow

An extensive Posidonia oceanica meadow was partially destroyed by excavation, resulting in areas of seagrass habitat of equal complexity (shoot density) but different heterogeneity (degree of fragmentation). The fish assemblages associated with differently fragmented beds were compared from a landscape perspective. Differences in the fish assemblages were detected, with several species showing different patterns: (1) species that increased their abundance along with the degree of bed fragmentation, (2) species that were more abundant in fragmented beds, but did not show differences between more or less fragmented beds, and (3) species that were mostly abundant in large seagrass patches or in the continuous meadow. The fish assemblages were also affected by depth, but further research is needed to determine properly this effect. Some ecological mechanisms are suggested to operate in the interaction between P. oceanica and the held fish assemblage.     

Intra-plant differences in seaweed nutritional quality and chemical defenses: Importance for the feeding behavior of the intertidal amphipod Orchestoidea tuberculata

As a result of their morphological complexity, large macroalgae show intra-thallus variations in their nutritional composition and secondary metabolite content, which influences the trophic ecology of herbivorous invertebrates, and ultimately their fitness. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the variability in nutritional quality (protein content, carbohydrates, lipids, and total organic matter), secondary metabolites (phlorotannins), and structure (shape and toughness) between blades and stipes of the macroalgae Durvillaea Antarctica. Specifically, we looked at their effect on feeding preference, rate of consumption, absorption efficiency, and growth rate of the amphipod Orchestoidea tuberculata, one of the most abundant organisms on Chilean sandy beaches. Proteins, carbohydrates, total organic matter and phlorotannin contents were significantly higher in blades than in stipes. Preference experiments revealed that the amphipods preferred blades when fresh pieces of blades and stipes were offered at the same time. Similar results were found when artificial food (in which structures of both parts of the alga were standardized) was offered, suggesting that shape and toughness of the two different parts of the alga did not influence preference patterns of O. tuberculata. Absorption efficiency of O. tuberculata was higher on blades compared to stipes. When the amphipods were kept with each of the algal parts separately (i.e. no choice), they consumed a significantly higher amount of stipe, which suggests that O. tuberculata used food quantity to compensate for the lower nutritional quality of stipes. The higher nutritional values of blades compared to stipes appears to explain observed preference patterns by O. tuberculata. Phlorotannin content did not appear to inhibit blade consumption, suggesting that the nutritional quality of the food could be more important than chemical defense in determining food choice in O. tuberculata. Growth did not differ between the amphipods maintained with either blades or stipes (i.e. no choice), which is consistent with the hypothesis of compensatory feeding. To conclude, O. tuberculata can actively select specific parts of an alga and this selection appears to be based on nutritional quality. The capacity for using different feeding strategies allow O. tuberculata, in some cases, to successfully exploit food types with different nutritional qualities.