Similar Epiphytic Macrofauna Inhabiting the Introduced Sargassum muticum and Native Fucoids on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco

摘要: The diversity and structure of epiphytic macrofaunal assemblages on the introduced invasive brown macroalga Sargassum muticum native fucoids (Bifurcaria bifurcata, Cystoseira humilis, tamariscifolia vulgare) were compared over a 1-year period in intertidal rockpools Atlantic coast Morocco. In comparison with fauna associated to other macroalgae from European shores, we found that macrofauna was moderately diverse (H'<3 bit) mainly dominated by gastropods crustaceans. most abundant taxa isopod Dynamene bidentata Steromphala umbilicalis pennanti. community differed slightly between invader natives along year. There significant temporal variation total number individuals per thallus dry weight for epifauna highest abundance C. spring. composition each species fairly constant time. Overall, our results demonstrated mobile this rocky area showed low macroalgal specificity. They also revealed S. supports similar communities as provides an additional appropriate habitat generalist macrofauna.