A Comparison Among Assemblages in Areas Invaded by Caulerpa taxifolia and C. racemosa on a Subtidal Mediterranean Rocky Bottom

This study compares the structure of Mediterranean macroalgal assemblages invaded by Caulerpa taxifolia and C. racemosa. Assemblages in areas colonized by the two algae and in reference areas were sampled and analyzed for 2 years. Significant differences were recorded both between reference and invaded areas and between areas invaded by different Caulerpa species. Macroalgal assemblages colonized by C. racemosa were more separated from references than those colonized by C. taxifolia. Differences between assemblages colonized by C. racemosa and the others decreased during the alga's period of vegetative rest and increased at the last sampling date. While erect and turf species showed similar patterns in invaded areas, covers of encrusting algae were lower in C. racemosa areas than in C. taxifolia areas.