Análise comparativa da abundância do coral invasor Tubastraea spp: (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) em substratos naturais e artificiais na Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Invasive sun corals (Tubastraea spp.) are reshaping marine communities in Ilha Grande, Brazil. Research shows that Tubastraea tagusensis is nearly twice as abundant as T. coccinea, with both species significantly altering native biodiversity. While T. coccinea thrives more on artificial structures like piers and decks, T. tagusensis dominates natural substrates, suggesting competitive superiority. Abundance varies with depth and location, but both species exploit older artificial structures for establishment. The study highlights the dual threat these invasives pose to coastal ecosystems, emphasizing their potential to spread and disrupt native communities.

Mangelli, T. S., & Creed, J. C. (2012). Análise comparativa da abundância do coral invasor Tubastraea spp: (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) em substratos naturais e artificiais na Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Iheringia. Série Zoologia, 102(2), 122–130. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0073-47212012000200002