Invertebrate Encrustations On The Mangrove Swamp Oyster And Their Implication For Symbiotic Association: Example From SE Nigeria

Abstract

The mangrove swamp oyster Crassostrea tulipa demonstrates a symbiotic relationship with the barnacle. Balnus sp and other encrusting invertebrates. It is inferred that the latter militate against predatory drilling on the oyster by Thais califera as well as prevent algal infestation and the consequent bioerosion by herbivorous gastropods.
On the otherhand, the encrustants are offered anchorage surfaces and are thus better exposed for gathering of nutrients. It is argued that this relationship may be difficult to deduced in the fossil record but is significant in the fossilization of the oyster


Keywords: Mangrove Swamp, Crassostrea tulipa, encrusting invertebrates.

Global Journal of Geological Sciences Vol. 6 (1) 2008: pp. 23-27