macroinvertebrates associated in sargassum spp
DESCRIPTION
This is our research on Invertebrates.TRANSCRIPT
Macroinvertebrates Associated in Sargassum spp. in Maribago, Cebu
Manolong, Julius
Balatayo, Annelyn Gem
Jayme Anna Freya
INTRODUCTION Seagrasses and seaweeds are
home to a diverse group of marine
animals (Karleskint et al. 2006).
Sargassum is one of the most
abundant algae in the marine waters. It belongs to the genus of brown (class Phaeophyceae) macroalga (seaweed) in the order Fucales.
The Sargassum beds play an important ecological role in the intertidal and subtidal levels. (Castillo 2008).
Objectives:
To identify the associated macroinvertebrates living on the Sargassum spp.
Observe the relationships between the macroinvertebrates associated with Sargassum spp.
Significance of the Study
This study will inform people on the macroinvertebrates living on the Sargassum spp. near the USC Maribago Marine Station.
It will also contribute to the future studies of macroinvertebrates associated with the Sargassum beds. And its ecological relationship as this is not well-studied compared to vertebrate species.
Through this study, researchers also want the community to be aware of the ecological importance and indirect economic value of these Sargassum beds.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ocular visit
Collection of specimens
Preservation with 80% ethyl alcohol
Measurement and Documentation
Identification of specimens
Figure 1. The study site (Google Earth)
Study site
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A total of 130 specimens were collected and there were 24 species, 15 genera and 4 phyla.
The macroinvertebrates associated with Sargassum spp. in the eastern coast of Mactan Island, Cebu, revealed the presence of a rich variety of gastropods and echinoderms.
There are more juvenile organisms found than adults based on their length which showed dependence of juveniles on the Sargassum spp. possibly for the attachment, shelter, and food source.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Cnidaria Porifera Echinodermata Mollusca
Phylum
No
. o
f S
pec
ies
Fig. 1 Abundance of different kinds of species in every Phylum
Phylum Mollusca
Euplica brunnidentata Astraea calcar
Clypeomorus batillaria Pictocolumbella ocellata
Phylum Echinodermata
Tripneustes gratilla Salmacis sphaeroides
Synapta maculata Unidentified
Phylum Porifera
Callyspongia sp. 1 Callyspongia sp. 2
Haliclona cymaeformis Callyspongia sp. 3
Phylum Cnidaria
Unidentified
Most number of Individuals:
1. Astraea calcar (Fam.Turbinidae, Phylum Mollusca)
2. Tripneustes gratilla (Fam.Toxopneustidae, Phylum Echinodermata )
0
5
10
15
20
2530
35
40
45
50
C
ollum
bellid
ae
N
assa
ridae
C
erith
iidae
S
trom
bidae
T
roch
idae
T
urbin
idae
V
elutin
idae:
Families
No
. o
f In
div
idu
als
Fig. 2 Different Families in Phylum Mollusca
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Astraeaheliotropium
Astraeacalcar
Astraeaphoebia
Species
No
. o
f In
div
idu
als
Figure 3. Abundance of individuals in Family Turbinidae
Astraea phoebia Astraea heliotropium
Astraea calcar Astraea calcar
Most macroinvertebrates found in the Sargassum beds are juveniles
--Juvenile gastropods have the most number of individuals collected.
Euplica brunnidentata
Some adult echinoderms were spotted usually near the holdfast of the Sargassum spp. especially the sea urchins (Salmacis sphaeroides and Tripnuestes gratilla)
The abundance of the fauna in seaweeds is also due to habitat preference and not just for the escape from predators (Bell and Destoby 2000).
Tripneustes gratilla
SUMMARY
The Sargassum beds located near the man-made island of the Maribago Bluewaters yielded 24 species of macroinvertebrates under 4 Phyla.
In terms of number of individuals, the Astraea calcar (Mollusca) and Tripneustes gratilla (Echinodermata) were the most abundant.
The Sargassum beds are important grounds for several juveniles that are vulnerable and susceptible to predators and they may provide food to different organisms in the coastal area.
Sargassum bed is essential ecologically because of its possible role in maintaining the biodiversity by offering food and protection to the juveniles.
RECOMMENDATION
Extensive sampling with the use of appropriate sampling methods to allow quantitative analysis of patterns observed.
Experiments on why juveniles are more attracted to the upper portion of the Sargassum.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
To the people who helped and made this study possible;
Ms. Annie Diola Ms. Belinda Longakit Mr. Dave Valles
Special thanks to; Herman Tan Jerome Gonzales Jardine Villarba Venus Canonigo Char lynne Rentuza Luke Reggie Balatayo
Bell, Johann D., Destoby Mark, 2000. Abundance of Macrofauna in Dense Seagrass is due to habitat preference, not predation. Oecologia Vol. 68, No. 2 (1986), pp. 205-209.
< http://www.jstor.org/stable/4217821> <Accessed 2011 Sept. 23>
Castillo, Alvin. 2008. Fauna Asociada a mantos de Sargassum (Ochrophyta: Fucales) en El Sauzoso, Baja California Sur, México. Centro Interdesciplinario de
Ciensas Marinas.World Wide Web. <Accessed 2011 Sept. 23>
Karleskint, G.J., Turner, R., Small, J.W. 2006.Introduction to Marine Biology, 2nd ed. Thomsone Brooks/Cole, USA.
REFERENCES