Distribution and attachment characteristics of Sida crystallina (O.F. Müller, 1776) in lentic freshwater ecosystems of South Korea. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Jong-Yun; Jeong, Kwang-Seuk; Kim, Seong-Ki; Son, Se-Hwan; Joo, Gea-Jae
• Is Part Of: Journal of ecology and environment. Volume 40:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Sida crystallina -- Aquatic macrophytes -- Attachment characteristics -- Stable isotope analysis -- Lentic freshwater ecosystems; Ecology -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1186/s41610-016-0006-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2288-1220

Abstract

Abstract Background Macrophytes are commonly utilised as habitat by epiphytic species; thus, complex macrophyte structures can support high diversities and abundances of epiphytic species. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of aquatic macrophytes is an important factor determiningSida crystallina (O.F. Müller, 1776) distribution. Results An ecological survey was conducted in 147 lentic freshwater bodies.S. crystallina was frequently observed, and its density was strongly associated with macrophyte abundance.S. crystallina was found on emergent plant species such asPhragmites australis andPaspalum distichum, attached to the stem surfaces by adhesive substances secreted by the nuchal organ. Thus, S. crystallina was more strongly attached to macrophytes than to other epiphytic cladoceran species. We found higher densities ofS. crystallina in filtered water with increased macrophyte shaking effort (i.e. 10, 20, 40, or 80 times).S. crystallina attachment was not related to fish predation. Stable isotope analysis showed thatS. crystallina utilises epiphytic organic matter (EOM) on macrophytes as a food source. Conclusions Consequently, S. crystallina seems to have a strong association with species-specific macrophyte biomass than with other cladoceran species, which may contribute to this species' predominance in various freshwater ecosystems where macrophytes are abundant.