Density and dispersion of Luidia clathrata (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) in Old Tampa Bay

作者：Lawrence John M^*; Cobb Janessa C; Talbot Oliver Tiffany

来源：Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 2012, 45(2): 101-109.

DOI：10.1080/10236244.2012.689490

• Luidia clathrata
• Asteroidea
• starfish
• dispersion
• population density

Density and dispersion of a population of Luidia clathrata in Old Tampa Bay was investigated from 2007 to 2009. A 1m(2) quadrat was deployed along 1-4 transects, 30-58m in length, on each observation date. Mean density ranged between 0.13 and 1.27 individuals m (2), which suggests low food availability. Morisita%26apos;s standardized index of dispersion ranged between -0.39 and 0.31 for all 14 transects and between 0.01 and -0.10 for seven transects, indicating random distribution on all dates. Random distribution of L. clathrata at this site suggests homogeneity of the substrate and random distribution of prey at the scale of measurement. Individuals in aquaria in the laboratory showed neither attraction nor repulsion to each other. However, they aggregated to food in the aquaria. Although distribution of food was not quantified, this supports the hypothesis that distribution of L. clathrata in Old Tampa Bay is related to homogeneity of substrate and distribution of prey.

• 出版日期2012