The world is their oyster: Differences in epibiota on sympatric populations of native Ostrea edulis and non-native Crassostrea gigas (Magallana gigas) oysters

In this study we aimed to assess the relative effects of native Ostrea edulis and non-native Crassostrea gigas and their associated epibiotic biodiversity. We recorded epibiont location on the shell as well as the upper or lower valve. Epibiont species richness was significantly lower on C. gigas. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of sea research 2018-10, Vol.140, p.52-58
Main Authors: Guy, C., Blight, A., Smyth, D., Roberts, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodiversity
Colonization
Crassostrea gigas
Environmental impact
Epibionts
Epibiota
Invasive species
Marine molluscs
Ostrea edulis
Oysters
Physical growth
Population growth
Species richness
Sympatric populations
Sympatry
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Summary:In this study we aimed to assess the relative effects of native Ostrea edulis and non-native Crassostrea gigas and their associated epibiotic biodiversity. We recorded epibiont location on the shell as well as the upper or lower valve. Epibiont species richness was significantly lower on C. gigas. The epibiota communities differed significantly between the two oyster species. The continued spread of C. gigas may potentially impact the epibiont biodiversity associated with oyster species in Strangford Lough. Management strategies should prevent sustained population expansion and associated changes in colonisation habitat. •Epibiont richness was significantly lower on C. gigas.•Significant differences in species present on native and non-native oysters.•C. gigas may impact biodiversity.
ISSN:1385-1101
1873-1414
DOI:10.1016/j.seares.2018.07.002