Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Epiphytic patterns of macroalgal assemblages on Cystoseira species (Fucales, Phaeophyta) in the east coast of Attica (Aegean Sea, Greece)

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Epiphytic macroalgal assemblages growing on Cystoseira species were examined at typical oligotrophic and eutrophic sites of the east coast of Attica (Aegean Sea, Greece) from November 1995 to September 1996. The epiphytic patterns of C. spinosa Sauvageau thriving in the oligotrophic area of Dikastika and of C. compressa (Esper) Gerloff & Nizzamudin growing in the eutrophic environment of Avlida, were compared through a cross-transplantation experiment. Seasonality effects on epiphytic assemblages were observed. The species composition was exclusive for each locality, reflecting differences in the trophic status of the two sites. No specific pattern of epiphytes' distribution was found on the hosts. The prolific epiphytic growth in the oligotrophic site resulted in a reduction of the photosynthetic tissue of both hosts (C. spinosa and the transplanted C. compressa) and the survivorship of host plants was not negatively affected by the physical drag caused by the high epiphyte densities. Cystoseira spinosa survived in oligotrophic conditions despite its heavy epiphytic load. C. compressa was also able to cope with the adverse epiphytic influence in the eutrophic conditions of Avlida; although being perennial, it sheds parts of its stipe and branches before the resting period and sprouts prior to other algae at the beginning of spring.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • A. P. H. A. (American Public Health Association), 1980. Standard methods for the examination of waters and wastewaters. 15th edn., New York: 1134 pp.

  • Arrontes, J., 1990. Composition, distribution on host and seasonality of epiphytes on three intertidal algae. Bot. mar. 33: 205-211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Athanasiadis, A., 1987. A survey of the seaweeds of the Aegean Sea with taxonomic studies on species of the tribe Antithamniae (Rhodophyta). Ph.D. Thesis, Gothenburg University: 174 pp.

  • Ballantine, D. L., 1979. The distribution of algal epiphytes on macrophyte hosts offshore from La Paguera, Puerto Rico. Bot. mar. 22: 107-111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballantine D. & H. J. Humm, 1975. Benthic algae of the Anclote Estuary. I. Epiphytes on seagrass leaves. Fla. Sci. 38 (3): 150-162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballesteros, E., 1988. Estructura y dinamica de la comunidad de Cystoseira mediterranea Sauvageau en el Mediterraneo Noroccidental. Inv. Pesq. 52: 313-334

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballesteros E., E. Sala, J. Garcabou & M. Zabala, 1998. Community structure and frond size distribution of a deep water stand of Cystoseira spinosa (Phaeophyta) in the Northwestern Mediterranean. J. Phycol. 33: 121-128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, C. J., Jr. 1974. A comparative ethological study of stromboid gastropods. Behavior 51: 274-322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borum, J., 1985. Development of epiphytic communities on eelgrass (Zostera marina) along a nutrient gradient in a Danish estuary. Mar. Biol. 87: 211-218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brawley, S. H. & W. H. Adey, 1981. Micrograzers may affect macroalgal density. Nature (London) 292: 177.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brock, T. D., 1970. Photosynthesis by algal epiphytes of Utricularia in Everglades National Park. Bull. mar. Sci. 20: 952-956.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, R. C., 1990. Competition among marine macroalgae: a perspective. J. Phycol. 26: 6-12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr, M. R., 1989. 'Practical notes for using the computer programmes prepared for the training workshop on the statistical treatment and interpretation of marine community data', organized in the framework of the Long-term Programme for Pollution Monitoring and Research in the Mediterranean Sea (MED POL - Phase II) Athens, 18-29September 1989: 105 pp.

  • Connell, J. H., 1961. The influence of interspecific competition and other factors on the distribution of the barnacle Chthalamus stellatus. Ecology 42: 710-723.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Antonio, C., 1985. Epiphytes on the rocky intertidal red alga Rhodomela larix (Turner) C. Agardh: negative effects on the host and food for herbivores? J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 86: 197-218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dayton, P. K., B. D. Keller & D. A. Van Tresca, 1980. Studies of a nearshore community inhabited bay seaotters. U.S. Marine Mammal Conference, Final Report No. MMC-79/14.

  • Dederen L. H. T., 1992. Marine eutrophication in Europe: similarities and regional differences in appearance. Science of Total Environment, Suppl. 1992. In: Vollenweider, R. A., R. Marchetti & R. Viviani (eds) Marine Coastal Eutrophication. Proc. Intern. Conf., Bologna. Italy. Elsevier, Amsterdam, New York: 663-672.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drew, E. A., 1979. Physiological aspects of primary production in seagrasses. Aquat. Bot. 7: 139-150.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eminson, D., & G. Phillips, 1978. A laboratory experiment to examine the effects of nutrient enrichment on macrophyte and epiphyte growth. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 20: 82-87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finke, L. R., 1978. Nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) by epiphytes of freshwater macrophytes. Appl. Phycol. 17: 341-345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, T. R., J. W. Peele, J. W. Ammerman & L. W. Harding Jr., 1992. Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in Chesapeake Bay. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 82: 51-63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freier, R. K., 1974. Wasseranalyse. Physiko-chemische Untersuchungen. Verfahren wichtiger Inhaltsstoffe. De Gruyter, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fujita, R. M., 1985. The role of nitrogen status in regulating transient ammonium uptake and nitrogen storage by macroalgae. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 92: 283-301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graneli E. K, K. Wallstroem, U. Larsson, W. Graneli & R. Elmgrem, 1990. Nutrient limitation of primary production in the Baltic Sea area. Ambio 19: 142-151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harlin, M.M., 1973. Transfer of products between epiphytic marine algae and host plants. J. Phycol. 9: 243-248.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harlin, M. M., 1975. Epiphyte-host relations in seagrass communities. Aquat. Bot. 1: 125-131.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harlin, M. M., 1980. Seagrass epiphytes. In: Phillips R. C. & C. P. McRoy (eds), Handbook of Seagrass Biology and Ecosystem Perspective, Garlan STPM, New York: 117-131.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, S. J. & R. G. Hartnoll, 1985. Settlement patterns of Semibalanus balanoides (L.). J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 71: 55-72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hecky, R. E. & P. Kilham, 1988. Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in freshwater and marine environments: A review of recent evidence on the effects of enrichment. Limnol. Oceanogr. 33: 796-822.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoek, C. Van den, D. G. Mann & H. M. Jahns, 1993. Algae. An Introduction to Phycology. Cambridge University Press: 623 pp.

  • Humm, H. J., 1964. Epiphytes of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum in Florida. Bull. Mar. Sci. Gulf Caribb. 14: 306-341.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. C., 1980. Productivity of algal epiphytes in a Georgia salt marsh: effect of inundation frequency and implications for total marsh productivity. Estuaries 3: 135-317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Katzmann, W., 1971. Polychaeten aus nordadriatischen Cystoseiren-Beständen. Ph.D. Thesis, University Wien.

  • Knoepffler-Peguy, M., 1973: Croissance et developpment deCystoseira (Phaeophyceae-Fucales) mediterraneens. Helgolaender wiss. Meeresunters. 24: 476-489.

    Google Scholar 

  • La Pointe, B. E., 1987. Phosphorus-and nitrogen-limitated photosynthesis and growth of Gracilaria tikvahiae (Rhodophyceae) in the Florida Keys: An experimental field study. Mar. Biol. 93: 561-568.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, J. R., 1964. The Ecology of Rocky Shores. English Universities Press Ltd: 323 pp.

  • Lilly, G. R., 1968. Some aspects of ecology of Irish Moss Chondrus crispus (L.). Stack. in Newfoundland waters. Fish. Res. Board Can. Tech. Rep. 43. 44 pp.

  • Littler, M. M & S. N. Murray, 1975. Impact of sewage on the distribution, abundance and community structure of rocky intertidal macro-organisms. Mar. Biol. 30: 277-291.

    Google Scholar 

  • Littler, M. M. & D. S. Littler, 1980: The evolution of thallus form and survival strategies in benthic macroalgae: Field laboratory tests of a functional form model. Am. Nat. 116: 25-44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lobban, C. S., 1978. Growth of Macrocystis integrifolia in Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island, B.C. Can. J. Bot. 56: 2707-2711.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lüning, K., 1990. Seaweeds. Their Environment, Biogeography, and Ecophysiology. A Wiley-Intersience Publ. John Wiley & Sons Inc: 527 pp.

  • McGlathery, K. J., 1992. Physiological controls on the distribution of the macroalga Spyridia hypnoides: patterns along a eutrophication gradient in Bermuda. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 87: 173-182.

    Google Scholar 

  • McRoy, P. C. & J. J. Goering, 1974. Nutrient transfer between the seagrassZostera marina and its epiphytes. Nature 248: 173-174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, M. D., 1980. Grazing and predation of the grass shrimp Paleomonetes pugio. Limnol. Oceanogr. 25: 896-902.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orth, R. J. & J. V. Montfrans, 1984. Epiphyte-seagrass relationships with an emphasis on the role of micrograzing: A review. Aquat. Bot. 18: 43-69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Otero-Schmitt, G. & J. L. Perez-Cinera. Epiphytism on Cystoseira (Fucales, Phaeophyta) from the Atlantic Coast of Northwest Spain. Bot. Mar. 39: 445-465.

  • Paasche, E. & S. R. Erga, 1988. Phosphorus and nitrogen limitation of phytoplankton in the inner Oslofjord (Norway). Sarsia 73: 229-243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paine, P. T., 1966. Food web complexity and species diversity. Am. Nat. 100: 65-75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penhale, P. A. & W. O. Smith, 1977. Excretion of dissolved organic carbon by eelgrass (Zostera marina) and its epiphytes. Limnol. Oceanogr. 22: 400-407.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perez, M., J. Romero, C. M. Duarte & K. Sand-Jensen, 1991. Phosphorus limitation of Cymodocea nodosa growth. Mar. Biol. 109: 129-133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, G. L., D. F. Eminson & B. Moss, 1978. A mechanism to account for macrophyte decline in progressively eutrophicated freshwaters. Aquat. Bot., 4: 103-125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Randall, J. E., 1964. Contributions to the biology of the queen conch, Strombus gigas. Bull. mar. Sci. Gulf Carib. 14: 246-295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reyes-Vasques, G., 1970. Studies on the diatom flora living on Thalassia testudinum Konig in Biscayne Bay, Florida. Bull. mar. Sci. 20: 105-134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, F. D., 1980. Ecology of Ruppia maritima L. in New Hampshire (U.S.A.) tidal marshes. Rhodora 82: 403-439.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, G. & J. Ramus, 1984. Ecological growth strategies in the seaweeds Gracilaria foliifera (Rhodophyceae) and Ulva sp. (Chlorophyceae): soluble nitrogen and reserve carbohydrates. Mar. Biol. 6: 251-259.

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell, G. & C. J. Veltcamp, 1984. Epiphyte survival on skinshedding macrophytes. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 18: 149-153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sand-Jensen, K., 1977. Effects of epiphytes on eelgrass photosynthesis. Aquat. Bot. 3: 55-63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schindler, D.W., 1974. Evolution of phosphorus limitation in lakes. Science 195: 260-262.

    Google Scholar 

  • Short, F. T., W. C. Dennison & D. G. Capone, 1990. Phosphorus limitated growth of the tropical seagrass Syringodium filiforme in carbonate sediments. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 62: 169-174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sieburth, J. M. & J. T. Conover, 1965. Sargassum tannin, an antibiotic which retards fouling. Nature 208: 52-53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trocine, R. P., J. D. Rice & G. N. Wells, 1981. Inhibition of seagrass photosynthesis by ultraviolet-B radiation. Plant Physiol. 68: 74-89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Underwood, A. J. & P. Jernakoff, 1984. The effects of tidal height, wave exposure, seasonality and rock-pools on grazing and the distribution of intertidal macroalgae in New SouthWales. L. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 75: 71-96.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNEP, 1996. The state of the marine and coastal environment in the Mediterranean region. MAP Technical Reports Series, 100: 142 pp.

  • Wahl, M., 1989. Marine epibiosis. I. Fouling and antifouling: some basic aspects. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 58: 175-189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmermann, R., R. Gibson & J. Harrington, 1979. Herbivory and detrivory among gammarida amphipods from a Florida seagrass community. Mar. Biol. 54: 41-47.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Biology, Department of Ecology & Systematics, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, GR-15784, Greece

    M. R. Belegratis, I. Bitis & A. Economou-Amilli

  2. Faculty of Zoology, Department of Marine Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Wien, A-1090, Austria

    J. A. Ott

Authors
  1. M. R. Belegratis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. I. Bitis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Economou-Amilli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. J. A. Ott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Belegratis, M.R., Bitis, I., Economou-Amilli, A. et al. Epiphytic patterns of macroalgal assemblages on Cystoseira species (Fucales, Phaeophyta) in the east coast of Attica (Aegean Sea, Greece). Hydrobiologia 412, 67–80 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003852300198

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003852300198

Search

Navigation