Epiphytism among algae of coral reefs and rocky ecosystems in the South China and East China seas
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Epiphytism is a natural phenomenon widespread in coastal ecosystems of the World Ocean. Epiphytes are plants (algae) that grow on other plants (algae), do not compete with other organisms for substrate, and receive primarily physical support from their host. However, epiphytes are also known to have negative effects on host algae: they can reduce their productivity, cause morphological anomalies, reduce the structural strength of algal layers, and facilitate the detachment of a host thallus from the substrate during storms. This study examines the species composition and life forms of epiphytic algae in several biogeographic regions of the World Ocean, analyzes the floristic differences revealed in these regions, and determines their causes. Macroalgae were sampled in the upper, middle, and lower intertidal zones, as well as in the upper subtidal zone, on coral reefs in the South China and East China seas. Samples were collected from three randomly selected quadrats (1 m² in area) and beyond. Each sample was examined for the presence of epiphytes. In total, over 1,000 thalli containing epiphytes were sampled and analyzed. For the period from 1995 to 2019, the species richness, composition and distribution of epiphytic algae assemblages in ecosystems of coral reefs and hard substratum reefs in the South China Sea (Central and Southern Vietnam, Hainan Island) and East China Sea (islands of the Ryukyu and Amakusa archipelagos) were studied for the first time. More than 700 species and taxonomic forms of marine plants were registered and identified in these four regions; out of those, about 33% were found in epiphytic life form. The highest number of seaweed species was noted for coral reefs of Hainan Island (526); the lowest number of species was recorded for coastal aquatic ecosystems of the Amakusa Archipelago islands (320). The relative number of epiphytic species of algae to total number of seaweed species was the highest on the Amakusa islands. Among all the registered species of epiphytic algae, about 40% were found in obligate form, and more than 50% were facultative epiphytes. The study areas differed in the species composition of epiphytes; only 30% of species were common. The most area-specific epiphytes were recorded on the Amakusa Archipelago islands. The causes and conditions of the widespread development of epiphytism among seaweeds in various biogeographic regions of the World Ocean are discussed. The supplement to the article contains descriptions of the morphology and anatomy of thalli of 40 widespread species of epiphytes. The descriptions are provided with color photographs and elements of morphological and anatomical structures.
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