Can structurally simple algal leaves provide a refuge for phytal animals when complex fronds are lost to disturbance?

The fucoid alga Sargassum confusum C.Agardh, common to the shallow subtidal reefs of many Asian waters, provides habitat for phytal animals. Sargassum confusum occurs along the Tohoku coast of Japan, and consists of perennial... [ view full abstract ]

The fucoid alga Sargassum confusum C.Agardh, common to the shallow subtidal reefs of many Asian waters, provides habitat for phytal animals. Sargassum confusum occurs along the Tohoku coast of Japan, and consists of perennial basal laterals with annual upper laterals that die off in late summer and grow back in late winter. Phytal animals e.g. crustaceans, are abundant on both these sections of the alga, though sessile species are more abundant on the persistent basal laterals. In this study we examined: whether phytal communities differ between the upper and basal laterals; and whether the basal laterals can function as a refuge habitat for the mobile invertebrate epifauna if the upper laterals are lost due to disturbance.