Population Structure and Dispersal of the Coral-Excavating Sponge Cliona delitrix

Authors

Andia Chaves Fonnegra, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Kevin A. Feldheim, Field Museum of Natural History - Chicago
Jesse Secord, Nova Southeastern University
Jose V. Lopez, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

ORCID

0000-0002-1637-4125

ResearcherID

F-8809-2011

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Molecular Ecology

ISSN

0962-1083

Publication Date

4-1-2015

Keywords

Caribbean Sea, Connectivity, Coral death, Marine sponge, Population genetics

Abstract

Some excavating sponges of the genus Cliona compete with live reef corals, often killing and bioeroding entire colonies. Important aspects affecting distribution of these species, such as dispersal capability and population structure, remain largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine levels of genetic connectivity and dispersal of Cliona delitrix across the Greater Caribbean (Caribbean Sea, Bahamas and Florida), to understand current patterns and possible future trends in their distribution and effects on coral reefs. Using ten species-specific microsatellite markers, we found high levels of genetic differentiation between six genetically distinct populations: one in the Atlantic (Florida-Bahamas), one specific to Florida and four in the South Caribbean Sea. In Florida, two independent breeding populations are likely separated by depth. Gene flow and ecological dispersal occur among other populations in the Florida reef tract, and between some Florida locations and the Bahamas. Similarly, gene flow occurs between populations in the South Caribbean Sea, but appears restricted between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic (Florida-Bahamas). Dispersal of C. delitrix was farther than expected for a marine sponge and favoured in areas where currents are strong enough to transport sponge eggs or larvae over longer distances. Our results support the influence of ocean current patterns on genetic connectivity, and constitute a baseline to monitor future C. delitrix trends under climate change.

DOI

10.1111/mec.13134

Volume

24

Issue

7

First Page

1447

Last Page

1466

Comments

©2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

NSUWorks Citation

Andia Chaves Fonnegra, Kevin A. Feldheim, Jesse Secord, and Jose V. Lopez. 2015. Population Structure and Dispersal of the Coral-Excavating Sponge Cliona delitrix .Molecular Ecology , (7) : 1447 -1466. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/483.