Organic matter release by the benthic upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea sp. fuels pelagic food webs in coral reefs

摘要: Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated that organic matter released by hermatypic corals can play an important role as carrier of energy, thereby initiating element cycles in coral reef systems. However, although another commonly occurring cnidarian, the scyphozoan upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea sp., reach high abundances such systems, its potential contribution to remains unresolved. Therefore this study aimed quantify release from Northern Red Sea and evaluate whether material is transferred planktonic microbes zooplankton. Mean mucoid particulate was 21.2 ± 9.4 mg POC 2.3 ± 1.1 PN m − 2 surface area h − 1 , which exceeds rates reported for factors 2 15. Labelling experiments using stable N isotopes uptake -derived jellyfish-associated zooplanktonic mysids Idiomysis tsurnamali . Incubation revealed O consumptions zooplankton were 5.9- 3.8-fold higher compared seawater controls, respectively, when present. Total carbon (TOC) degradation increased 5.0-fold (0.27% versus 1.38% ), indicating fast mineralization matter. These findings suggest may function a newly discovered trophic pathway benthic environment pelagic food chains reefs other marine ecosystems.