Estructura y dinámica de comunidades asociadas a cultivos de Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariaceae) en Chacopata, Sucre, Venezuela. I: Inventario faunístico / Structure and dynamics of the community associated to the cultivation of Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariacea) in Chacopata, Sucre, Venezuela. I: Faunistic inventory

ABSTRACT

The associated fauna of Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariaceae, Rhodophyta) cultures was collected between October 1994 and December 1996 in Chacopata (Sucre State, Venezuela) and preserved in 10% formaldehyde. The species list includes 17 Crustacea, 14 Mollusca and six Polychaeta, the remaining taxa added ten species (total 47 species in eight Phyla). Grazing by mesoherbivores affected the algae and the mollusk Aplysia protea damaged new cultures significantly. The abundance of tubes built by the amphipod Euricthonius brasiliensis impairs algal aspect and facilitates colonization by other organisms.