The Ecology of Lough Ine: X. The Hydroid Sertularia Operculata (L.) and its Associated Flora and Fauna: Effects of Transference to Sheltered Water

Abstract

Sertularia operculata, abundant in the Lough Ine Rapids, was transferred to a sheltered situation in Lough Ine. It quickly became clogged with fine sediment, even if raised above the sea floor. All colonies regressed and most died within nine weeks, the associated amphipod Caprella acanthifera perished with it. Mean-while the Sertularia became coated with an abundant and extensive flora of diatoms and other algae. A microfauna of nematodes and Crustacea developed, molluscan larvae settled from the plankton, and gastropods and starfish invaded the Sertularia from the surrounding sea floor.