BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Fucus serratus
All Taxonomy Biology Distribution Reproduction

Researched by	Angus Jackson	Data supplied by	MarLIN
Refereed by	Dr Graham Scott
General Biology
Growth form	Shrub Foliose	Feeding method	Photoautotroph
Mobility/Movement	Permanent attachment	Environmental position	Epifloral
Typical food types	Not relevant	Habit	Attached
Bioturbator	Not relevant	Flexibility	High (>45 degrees)
Fragility	Intermediate	Size	Large(>50cm)
Height	Usually up to 70 cm	Growth Rate	0.2-0.1 cm / day
Adult dispersal potential	None	Dependency	Independent
Sociability	Solitary
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
General Biology Additional Information	During most of the year plant densities range between 10-14/0.25 square metres. When recruitment is occurring then densities may rise to 18-22/0.25 square metres. Surface cover by this species may reach over 95 percent during the summer. This decreases and becomes more patchy during winter and autumn. Fucus serratus typically grows up to 70 cm but has been recorded at over 2 m in length in very sheltered environments. Growth rate refers to maximal growth rate under optimal conditions. Growth rate varies considerably depending on environmental conditions. Growth rate ranges from 4-12 cm per annum. There are two size classes: germlings less than 10 cm (30-40 percent of the population); and adult plants greater than 40 cm. The germlings developing from eggs are initially microscopic and become visible to the naked eye after about two weeks. There is no clear mode in between but individuals of intermediate size are always present. Fucus serratus supports a wide variety of epiphytes with over 90 species having been recorded. Growth of microalgae on the frond surface can cause shading and reduced photosynthesis, anoxia at the frond surface and may interfere with reproduction. Mobile herbivores may benefit Fucus serratus through removal of this algal film. Other dominant macrofaunal species found on Fucus serratus include Lacuna pallidula, Littorina mariae, Amphithoe rubricata, Idotea granulosa and epiflora include Rhydomenia palmata and Elachista fucicola.
Biology References	Creed et al., 1997, Brenchley et al., 1997, Seed & O'Connor, 1981, Lüning, 1990, Williams, 1996, Knight & Parke, 1950,