Ecology Summary - Idotea balthica
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Ecology of Idotea balthica
 
Main Ref. Healy, B., 1997
Remarks It is an epibenthic species (Ref. 95730), that inhabits coastal waters (Ref. 8372). Euryhaline; found along tidal shores, typically occupying the littoral and sublittoral zones. Its characteristic pattern of distribution is correlated with tidal levels, exposure and salinity variations. It is a widely distributed species (Ref. 95891). A macroalgae mesoherbivore (Refs. 95728, 95891, 126850). This species facilitates the transfer of spermatia in red alga Gracilaria gracilis in laboratory aquaria (Ref. 126850).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Idotea balthica may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic: macrobenthos; Soft Bottom: sand; silt;
Substrate Ref. Zettler, M.L. and F. Gosselck, 2006
Special habitats Beds: algae/seaweed;
Special habitats Ref. Aslan, H. and H. Balkis, 2004

Associations

Ref. Lavaut, E., M.-L. Guillemin, S. Colin, A. Faure, J. Coudret, C. Destombre and M. Valero, 2022
Associations symbiosis;
Associated with Gracilaria gracilis
Association remarks Firmly clinging to the reproductive thallus of the red alga.
Parasitism

feeding

Feeding type mainly plants/detritus (troph. 2-2.19)
Feeding type Ref. Norling, P. and N. Kautsky, 2008
Feeding habit grazing on aquatic plants
Feeding habit Ref. Norling, P. and N. Kautsky, 2008

Trophic Level(s)

Estimation method original sample unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items 2.00 0.00 Trophic level and s.e. inferred from exclusive plant/detritus food items.
Ref.
Ref. [ e.g. 3742]
Glossary [ e.g. cnidaria]
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