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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 59(4)

The role of herbivory and fouling on the invasive green alga Caulerpa filiformis in temperate Australian waters

D. O. Cummings A B C and J. E. Williamson A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Marine Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.

B Present address: School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: david.cummings@bio.usyd.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 59(4) 279-290 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF06238
Submitted: 11 December 2006  Accepted: 26 February 2008   Published: 15 May 2008

Abstract

The green macroalga Caulerpa filiformis is rapidly dominating algal assemblages in shallow subtidal regions along the New South Wales (NSW) coast. Given that invasive species are known for their competitive superiority, the interactions between C. filiformis and herbivores and fouling species was investigated and were compared with those co-occurring native species. Extensive field surveys were carried out to assess purported damage from herbivores, and co-occurrence of C. filiformis with herbivorous fish and invertebrate species. Signs of herbivory on C. filiformis were visible, and several common herbivorous invertebrates and fish co-occurred with the alga. Laboratory and field feeding assays with fresh algae indicated that generalist invertebrate herbivores such as Turbo torquatus did not consume C. filiformis, whereas herbivorous fish did consume C. filiformis but not in preference to other palatable algae. C. filiformis was fouled at similar concentrations and with similar epiphytic species to other co-occurring algae. Thus the ability of C. filiformis to deter herbivory and fouling by using biotic deterrents (both chemical and structural) is limited and unlikely to be the major factor driving its successful invasion into NSW habitats.

Additional keywords: biological invasions, Caulerpa taxifolia, Caulerpenyne, chemical deterrents, feeding assay, introduced marine species, secondary metabolites.


Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Ulysse Bové, Nick Paul, Peter Tung and Mathew Vella for their help in the field and in the laboratory. Special thanks to Symon Dworjanyn for valuable advice, support and many discussions throughout this research. We are grateful for the assistance provided by Ray Cameron, Elsa Mardones and Peter Tung for technical support. Discussions with Rob Harcourt, Muoi Khou and Dave Raftos greatly improved this research. We thank two anonymous referees for commenting on this manuscript. This research complies with current laws in Australia. This is the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) contribution number 0013.


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