Caulerpa cylindracea Spread on Deep Rhodolith Beds Can Be Influenced by the Morphostructural Composition of the Bed

The green alga Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder (Chlorophyta; Bryopsidales) is one of the most invasive alien macroalgae in Mediterranean Sea, where it also spreading on rhodolith beds, an important biogenic assemblage typical deep substrates. Despite importance rhodoliths, data competitive interactions with C. are still scarce. To deepen knowledge topic, occurrence bed Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area (Italy) was explored. Quantitative analyses videoframes obtained from Remote Operated Vehicle records three different MPA sites, Is Piscadeddus, Santa Caterina, and Serpentara, allow for estimates both cover rhodoliths (considering main morphotypes) cylindracea, as well their competition. All sites showed a well-developed bed, although some differences were highlighted composition terms morphotype, shape, dimension cover. In particular, Caterina appeared to be site highest mean total (68%), (25%). results suggest that occur between relation morphostructural latter response environmental conditions affect composition.