Micro-habitats and Associations
Within the shallow, intertidal reef habitats populated by the Scaley Turban (Turbo perspeciosus), certain smaller, micro-habitats are occupied preferentially over others. As observed on Heron Island (Marine Invertebrates Field Trip 2011) this species of Turbinid is consistently found on the underside of dead coral plates and boulders, and occasionally is found deep in the small and narrow crevices and holes that make up these coral structures. These micro-habitats likely confer fitness advantages to the species over open, conspicuous regions, by providing both shelter and an area for retreat in the presence of predators. These areas also reduce the impact of wave and current action during high tides by offering protection, and limiting desiccation during low tide.
Figure 1. The underside of a coral plate, a micro-habitat where Turbo perspeciosus is commonly found. (Photo courtesy of Alyssa Budd 2011)
Furthermore, underneath these coral plates is a world within itself, with a wide variety of species biodiversity and phyla coexisting within this micro-habitat. Such phyla included ascidians, polychaetes, bryozoans and arthropods, and many algal species, just to name a few. Being an algal grazer, the presence of a variety of algal species is also likely to positively influence the presence of the Scaley Turban in these micro-habitats.
Figure 2. The underside of a coral plate, demonstrating the diversity of species that co-exist within this micro-habitat. (Photo courtesy of Alyssa Budd 2011)
Occasionally the Scaley Turban would be found on the coral 'floor', tucked away between the branches of corals. These areas appeared to be utilised much less than the previously mentioned coral plate micro-habitat, most likely because the coral floor provides little in the way of food or protection from predation and the elements. |