Settlement dynamics and recruitment responses of Mediterranean gorgonians larvae to different crustose coralline algae species

摘要: Abstract Sessile marine species such as Anthozoans act ecosystem engineers due to their three-dimensional structure. Gorgonians, in particular, can form dense underwater forests that give shelter other increasing local biodiversity. In the last decades, several Mediterranean gorgonian populations have been affected by natural and anthropogenic impacts which drastically reduced size. However, some showed unexpected resilience, mainly supply of new individuals. To understand mechanisms underlying recovery processes, studies on first life history stages (i.e. larval dispersal, settlement recruitment) are needed. tropical coral reefs, crustose coralline algae (CCA) known influence larvae habitat selection settlement. This capacity however is not ubiquitous among CCA different may preferences. The present work focuses three gorgonians (Eunicella singularis, Paramuricea clavata Corallium rubrum) with objective quantifying recruitment presence two common (Litophyllum stictaeforme Litophyllum incrustans). Results activates earlier E. singularis increases density recruits, trends for species. Our results suggest should be taken into account implementation conservation strategies. Moreover, a deeper comprehension could help improving restoration techniques based sexual reproduction.