The Ecology of the Tropical Compound Ascidian Trididemnum solidum. II. Abundance, Growth and Survival

Abstract

The distribution of Trididemnum solidum (Van Name) was investigated in 42 transects over the coral reef on the leeward coast of Curacao. Ascidian colonies were abundantly present at depths from 1.5 to 34 m along the central part of this coast, but absent towards the tips of the island. This reflects characteristics of the history of T. solidum , such as short pelagic life, and the local current regime. Another factor influencing the distribution is the ambient light level. For 9 mo, July 1978 to April 1979, we measured the monthly in situ growth of a population varying between 38-50 colonies. Each fortnight these colonies were checked for presence/absence. The constancy in population size masks a highly dynamic system.