Ascidians observed associating epizoically on holothurians in waters in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan

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  • Hamamoto Kohei
    Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus
  • Reimer James Davis
    Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus

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<p>Photograph records of four holothurian individuals upon which colonial ascidians were associated epizoically are reported from the waters around Akajima Island, Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan. Although holothurians are known to be hosts of many organisms, these new observations add a new perspective to understanding the ecological role of holothurians as mobile scaffolds. Some ascidians have limited capabilities of locomotion, but we believe an association with holothurians would increase the mobility of ascidians. On the other hand, such associations may be beneficial as part of the holothurians’ chemical defenses, since some ascidians and/or harbored cyanobacteria produce bioactive compounds. Even though these observed cases may be temporary associations, it is apparent holothurians are ecosystem engineers on coral reefs not only due to their feeding behavior, but also due to their associated fauna.</p>

Journal

  • Plankton and Benthos Research

    Plankton and Benthos Research 17 (4), 338-342, 2022-11-30

    The Plankton Society of Japan, The Japanese Association of Benthology

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