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Diversity analysis and trophic structure of recently invaded tropical rocky shore
* 1 , 2, 3 , 2, 3
1  Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rua Francisco Xavier 524, PHLC, sala 220, Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, RJ, Brazil
2  Department of Ecology, IBRAG, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rua Francisco Xavier 524, PHLC, sala 220, Rio de Janeiro 20559-900, RJ, Brazil.
3  Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rua Francisco Xavier 524, PHLC, sala 220, Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, RJ, Brazil.
Academic Editor: Kevin Cianfaglione

Abstract:

When a non-native species remains in an invaded community for some time, long-term effects on community diversity and ecosystem functioning are expected, as are changes in trophic interactions between species. The blue soft coral Latissimia ningalooensis, presumably of Indian Ocean origin, was first detected in the wild in the tropical southeast Atlantic in Brazil in 2017. This study provides novel information on the trophic relationship that has developed between L. ningalooensis and 29 other benthic marine species in a food web on shallow tropical rocky reefs which have been invaded. The difference in the species composition of invaded areas and control areas was also assessed. L. ningalooensis showed δ15N values close to those of macroalgae, suggesting that its symbiosis with zooxanthellae represents an essential source of energy in addition to the suspension feeding. An apparent opportunist--generalist consumer, the arrow crab Stenorhynchus seticornis showed values of δ13C and δ15N, aligned as a probable consumer of L. ningalooensis. The difference in species composition between the invaded and control areas, and an increase in the abundance of L. ningalooensis in shallow areas, suggests that a mechanism exists which will allows its further expansion into more favorable locations, so we encourage management such as the continuous monitoring of the invaded area and eradication.

Keywords: Community diversity; biological invasion; food web; nonnative species; trophic relationships.
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