Journal article
Ectocommensals of the stichopodid sea cucumbers Thelenota anax and Stichopus vastus on the northern Great Barrier Reef
Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin, Vol.40, pp.20-22
2020
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Abstract
Sea cucumbers can act as hosts for a wide range of commensal organisms, both externally (ectocommensals) and internally (endocommensals), but this role might vary among localities. We recorded ctocommensals on the body wall of Thelenota anax and Stichopus vastus at several coral reef sites around Lizard Island in the northern Great Barrier Reef. Few ectocommensals were found on either species, at any of the sites. Scaleworms were the most common epibiont on the sea cucumbers. Although studies at other sites have reported diverse and abundant commensal organisms on holothuroids, our study shows that the role of sea cucumbers as hosts might be minor at other localities. Further research across multiple localities is needed to better understand the ecological role of sea cucumbers in reef ecosystems.
Details
- Title
- Ectocommensals of the stichopodid sea cucumbers Thelenota anax and Stichopus vastus on the northern Great Barrier Reef
- Creators
- Steven W Purcell (Corresponding Author) - Southern Cross UniversityAlison Hammond - Southern Cross UniversityLuka Meyers - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin, Vol.40, pp.20-22
- Publisher
- South Pacific Commission
- Identifiers
- 991012865200302368
- Academic Unit
- Marine Ecology Research Centre; National Marine Science Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article