THE EFFECTS OF SPONGES AND SPONGE METABOLITES ON THE SETTLEMENT, GROWTH AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SUBSTRATUM COMPETITORS

Autores/as

  • GREGORY K. NISHIYAMA

Resumen

The influence of three sponge species (Acervochalina hooperi, Plakortis lita, and Xestospongia vansoesti) on the settlement of a red encrusting algae (Pneophyllum fragile), a foraminiferan (Planorbylinella sp.) and a polychaete worm (family Spirorbidae) was investigated in two settlement studies in a coral reef off Mactan Island, Philippines. In the first study, settlement plates were exposed to intact sponges positioned adjacent to the plates. Foraminiferans were significantly smaller in the X. vansoesti treatment as compared to the control conditions. In the second settlement study, chemical extracts from each sponge species were incorporated into agar gels, which were separately affixed to acrylic settlement plates. Foraminiferans and algae experienced a reduction in size when exposed to extracts from X. vansoesti and A. hooperi, respectively. A positive association between algae and foraminiferans was also observed on the P. lita treatment plates.

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Publicado

2018-05-23