Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Lacuna
grazing at high densities can affect kelp
populations and survival (Chenelot and
Konar
2007
)
The abalone
Haliotis
preferentially consumes
kelp (mostly drift) in New Zealand
(Cornwall et al.
2009
)
Laevilacunaria
is a generalist grazer on
Antarctic seaweeds, but also depends on
epiphytic microalgae (Iken
1999
)
Opisthobranch
gastropods
(Ascoglossa,
Anaspidea)
Biting
Rasping
Mostly
mesograzers
Specialists
Tropical coral reefs
The ascoglossan
Costasiella
selectively feeds
on the chemically defended green alga
Avrainvillea
(Hay et al.
1990b
)
The anaspidean
Aplysia
performs best when
feeding on members of the red alga
Portieria
with moderate chemical defense
levels (Ginsburg and Paul
2001
)
Crabs
Biting
Browsing
Macrograzers
Generalists
Tropical rocky shores
Grapsus
preferentially feeds on filamentous
algae; it supplements its diet with animal
items when seasonally forced to feed on low
nutritional encrusting algae (Kennish
1996
)
Sea urchins
Biting
Tearing
Macrograzers
Specialists-generalists
Temperate kelp beds
Tropical coral reefs
Strongylocentrotus
grazing causes phase shifts
from kelp beds to urchin barrens in the
absence of top predators in the Aleutian
Islands (Estes and Duggins
1995
)
Diadema
grazing removes macroalgae from
coral reefs, thus facilitating space for coral
growth and recruitment (Carpenter and
Edmunds
2006
)
Fishes
(e.g., Scaridae
Pomacentridae
Acanthuridae
Biting
Tearing
Browsing
Macrograzers
Specialists-generalists
Specialists-generalists
Specialists-generalists
Tropical coral reefs
Temperate kelp beds
Polar rocky shores
Damselfishes defend territories on coral reefs to
“garden” algae on which they feed, thus
influencing reef algal and overall
communities (Jones et al.
2006
)
(continued)
