Abstract
The species and distribution of nematodes on the kelp Macrocystic integrifolia Bory, in the Bamfield region of Barkley Sound, British Columbia, Canada were examined. Nine species (belonging to six families) of nematodes were found on the kelp blades. Three species (Monhystera disjuncta, M. refringens and Prochromadorella neapolitana) comprised 91–99% of the nematode fauna and occurred in all monthly samples from July 1978 to November 1979. The three dominant species exhibited seasonal density differences. P. neapolitana occurred mostly in the summer, M. refringens abundance peaked from July to October and M. disjuncta was relatively abundant throughout the year. The other species contributed little to the overall abundance and distribution patterns. All three species occurred in greatest abundance on the lower and middle blades of M. integrifolia in the deep end of the kelp bed. Very few individuals occurred on the upper blades. Nematode distribution on M. integrifolia appeared to be related to blade age and the associated food sources on the blade.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
Baker, A. D.: Rapid method for mounting nematodes in glycerine. Can. Entomol. 35, 77–78 (1953)
Chitwood, B. G. and D. G. Murphy: Observations on two marine monhysterids — their classification, cultivation and behavior. Trans. Am. microsc. Soc. 83, 311–329 (1964)
Dahl, E.: On the smaller Arthropoda of marine algae especially in the polyhaline waters off the Swedish west coast. Unders. Øresund. 35, 1–193 (1948)
Hagerman, L.: The macro and microfauna associated with Fucus serratus L. with some ecological remarks. Ophelia 3, 1–43 (1966)
Hopper, B. E. and S. P. Meyers: Foliicolous marine nematodes on turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum Konig, in Biscayne Bay, Florida. Bull. mar. Sci. 17, 471–517 (1967 a)
Hopper, B. E. and S. P. Meyers: Population studies on benthic nematodes within a subtropical seagrass community. Mar. Biol. 1, 85–96 (1967 b)
Lobban, C. S.: The growth and death of the Macrocystis sporophyte. (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales) Phycologia 17, 196–212 (1978)
Merrith, T. W.: Studies on benthic nematode ecology in a small freshwater pond. Water Resour. Res. Inst. Bull. 8, 1–73 (1973)
Moore, P. G.: The nematode fauna associated with holdfasts of kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) in northeast Britain. J. mar. biol. Assoc. U.K. 51, 589–604 (1971)
Moore, P. G.: The kelp fauna of northeast Britain. I. Introduction and the physical environment. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 13, 97–126 (1973 a)
Moore, P. G.: The kelp fauna of northeast Britain II. Multivariate classification turbidity as an ecological factor. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 13, 126–164 (1973 b)
Mukai, H.: The phytal animals on the thalli of Sargassum serratifolium in the Sargassum region, with reference to their seasonal fluctuations. Mar. Biol. 8, 170–182 (1971)
North, W. J.: Biology of giant kelp beds (Macrocystis) in California, 600 pp Lehre: Verlag J. Cramer 1971
Ott, J.: Vertikalverteilung von Nematoden in Beständen nordadriatischer Sargassaceen. Helgol. wiss. Meeresunters. 15, 412–428 (1967)
Roland, W.: Epiphytism and endophytism of Macrocystis integrifolia and Nereocystis luetkeana: Seasonality, succession and tactics on temporary living substrate. M. Sc. Thesis, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C. 1980
Tietjen, J. H. and J. J. Lee: Life history and feeding habits of the marine nematode Chromadora macrolaimoides, Steiner Oecologia 12, 303–314 (1973)
Tietjen, J. H. and J. J. Lee: Life histories of marine nematodes: influences of temperature and salinity on the reproductive potential of Chromadorina germanica, Butschli. Mikro. Meeres. 61, 263–270 (1977)
Wieser, W.: Die Beziehungen zwischen Mundhöhlengestalt, Ernährungsweise und Vorkommen bei freilebenden marinen Nematoden. Ark. Zool. 4, 439–484 (1952 a)
Wieser, W.: Investigations on the microfauna inhabiting seaweeds on rock coasts. IV. Studies on the vertical distribution of the fauna inhabiting seaweeds below the Plymouth Laboratory. J. mar. biol. Assoc. U.K. 31, 145–174 (1952 b)
Wieser, W.: Free-living marine nematodes. II. Chromadoroidea. Acta Univ. Lund. (N.F.2) 50, 1–148 (1953)
Wieser, W.: Free-living marine nematodes. IV. General discussion. Chile Reports 34 Lunds. Univ. Arsskr. N.R. Avd. 55, 1–109 (1959 a)
Wieser, W.: Zur Ökologie der Fauna mariner Algen mit besonderer Berücksichtigung des Mittelmeeres. Int. Rev. Hydrobiol. 44, 137–180 (1959 b)
Wing, B. L. and K. A. Clendenning: Kelp surfaces and associated invertebrates. In: The biology of giant kelp beds (Macrocystis) in California, 6000 pp. Ed. by W. J. North. Lehre: Verlag J. Cramer, 1971
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by R. O. Fournier, Halifax
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Trotter, D., Webster, J.M. Distribution and abundance of marine nematodes on the kelp Macrocystic integrifolia . Mar. Biol. 78, 39–43 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00392969
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00392969