Grazing rates of Elysia tomentosa on native and introduced Caulerpa taxifolia |
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Authors: | Dana D Burfeind Ian R Tibbetts and James W Udy |
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Institution: | (1) Water Studies, School of Engineering, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia;(2) Centre for Marine Studies, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia;(3) SEQWater, 240 Margaret Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia |
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Abstract: | The marine alga Caulerpa taxifolia Vahl (C. Agardh), recognized globally as one of the most prolific non-native species introductions, has been introduced to
several temperate locations from where it has since rapidly expanded. C. taxifolia is protected by a toxin (terpenoid) in its tissues that limits grazing by native herbivores. Sacoglossan molluscs of the
genus Elysia are among the few organisms that graze C. taxifolia; however, little is known about their feeding ecology. In the current study, we quantified the grazing rates of Elysia tomentosa on native C. taxifolia (Moreton Bay, Queensland) and introduced C. taxifolia (Botany Bay and Lake Conjola, New South Wales). Grazing rates were similar at Moreton Bay sites and Botany Bay; however,
they were significantly lower in Lake Conjola. At the maximum observed grazing rate, slugs ate their body weight in C. taxifolia (dry weight) every 18–24 h. Differences in grazing rates between locations may be explained by differences in C. taxifolia morphology rather than native or introduced origin.
Handling editor: J. Padisak |
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Keywords: | Elysia tomentosa Caulerpa taxifolia Introduced species Grazing |
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