The role of herbivory and fouling on the invasive green alga Caulerpa filiformis in temperate Australian waters

D. O. Cummings, J. E. Williamson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The green macroalga Caulerpa filiformis is rapidly dominating algal assemblages in shallow subtidal regions along the New South Wales (NSW) coast. Given that invasive species are known for their competitive superiority, the interactions between C. filiformis and herbivores and fouling species was investigated and were compared with those co-occurring native species. Extensive field surveys were carried out to assess purported damage from herbivores, and co-occurrence of C. filiformis with herbivorous fish and invertebrate species. Signs of herbivory on C. filiformis were visible, and several common herbivorous invertebrates and fish co-occurred with the alga. Laboratory and field feeding assays with fresh algae indicated that generalist invertebrate herbivores such as Turbo torquatus did not consume C. filiformis, whereas herbivorous fish did consume C. filiformis but not in preference to other palatable algae. C. filiformis was fouled at similar concentrations and with similar epiphytic species to other co-occurring algae. Thus the ability of C. filiformis to deter herbivory and fouling by using biotic deterrents (both chemical and structural) is limited and unlikely to be the major factor driving its successful invasion into NSW habitats.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)279-290
    Number of pages12
    JournalMarine and Freshwater Research
    Volume59
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The role of herbivory and fouling on the invasive green alga Caulerpa filiformis in temperate Australian waters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this