Is there a feeding selectivity of Sarpa salpa over Caulerpa spp vs. seagrasses in Mediterranean meadows?

摘要: Mediterranean seagrass ecosystems are endangered by increased colonization of Caulerpa species, which may replace them, affecting key ecosystem processes such as herbivore preferences and the local herbivory pressure. The fish Sarpa salpa (L.) is one of the main macroherbivores in the western Mediterranean seagrass meadows which is also known to feed on a wide range of macroalgae such as Caulerpa species providing a certain resistance to invasion of native assemblages. In this study we investigate if S. salpa feed selectively on Caulerpa spp vs. seagrasses and we quantify consumption rates in order to elucidate the potential role of this herbivore on the spread of invasive species in Mediterranean seagrass meadows. For this aim, during summer-autumn 2012 we compared S. salpa herbivory on C. prolifera and C. cylindracea to that on Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa in a mixed …