Cryptofaunal Diversity in a Southwestern Atlantic Rhodolith Bed—Morphology Effect Versus Depth DOI

André Macedo,

Gabrielle Koerich, Carlos Eduardo Peixoto Dias

et al.

Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 35(5)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Rhodolith beds are ecologically important benthic habitats formed by coralline red algae, found across a wide range of latitudes and depths. They provide crucial ecosystem services, including climate change mitigation biodiversity support, yet remain understudied. Rhodoliths known to influence the diversity abundance associated cryptofauna through their structural complexity microhabitat provision. In this study, we examined cryptofaunal community with two rhodolith‐forming species, Lithophyllum atlanticum Melyvonnea erubescens , distinct growth forms, in rhodolith bed located at no‐take area Southwestern Atlantic. We evaluated effects complexity, depth seasons on composition. Our findings revealed significant differences composition between species different Structural characteristics, such as volume branch density, varied influenced fauna. Depth season seem indirectly impact distribution, well density appears be most relevant driver influencing assemblage differences. reinforce ecological importance highlight need for further research better understand conservation significance. Protecting sensitive from potential impacts is preserving services. Therefore, any discussion or management changes that its status must consider aspects biology relationships fauna flora.

Language: Английский

Cryptofaunal Diversity in a Southwestern Atlantic Rhodolith Bed—Morphology Effect Versus Depth DOI

André Macedo,

Gabrielle Koerich, Carlos Eduardo Peixoto Dias

et al.

Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 35(5)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Rhodolith beds are ecologically important benthic habitats formed by coralline red algae, found across a wide range of latitudes and depths. They provide crucial ecosystem services, including climate change mitigation biodiversity support, yet remain understudied. Rhodoliths known to influence the diversity abundance associated cryptofauna through their structural complexity microhabitat provision. In this study, we examined cryptofaunal community with two rhodolith‐forming species, Lithophyllum atlanticum Melyvonnea erubescens , distinct growth forms, in rhodolith bed located at no‐take area Southwestern Atlantic. We evaluated effects complexity, depth seasons on composition. Our findings revealed significant differences composition between species different Structural characteristics, such as volume branch density, varied influenced fauna. Depth season seem indirectly impact distribution, well density appears be most relevant driver influencing assemblage differences. reinforce ecological importance highlight need for further research better understand conservation significance. Protecting sensitive from potential impacts is preserving services. Therefore, any discussion or management changes that its status must consider aspects biology relationships fauna flora.

Language: Английский

Citations

0