New paper on Paratya australiensis

[fishmosy]

Found this paper today. Should be of interest to those here keeping native shrimp.

Anyone interested in reading it shoot me a PM.

Strong interactions of Paratya australiensis (Decapoda : Atyidae) on periphyton in an Australian subtropical stream

Timothy P. Moulton, Marcelo L. Souza, Ernesto F. Brito, M. Rosário Almeida Braga and Stuart E. Bunn

Marine and Freshwater Research 63(9) 834

Abstract

Atyid shrimps are often an abundant component in undisturbed tropical streams. Studies in coastal streams in Puerto Rico and Brazil have demonstrated the importance of this group in removing periphyton and sediment from hard substrates and their effects on the composition and quantity of periphytic algae. We used experimental exclosures to investigate the influence of the small atyid Paratya australiensis on periphyton accrual on hard substrates in a coastal stream in the subtropics of Australia. We measured organic and inorganic matter, chlorophyll and algal biovolume in the presence and absence of shrimps on natural and artificial substrates. We found a 5-fold increase in the amount of organic matter on natural substrate in the absence of P. australiensis and a two to 10-fold increase in total periphyton mass on artificial substrate. The natural substrates did not show differences in biovolume of algae, however, algal biovolume on the artificial substrates was significantly higher in the exclusion treatment and diatoms were most affected. We conclude that P. australiensis can be considered a strongly-interacting element of the stream biota and an important species for monitoring and conservation.

Additional keywords: biofilm, bioturbation, electrical exclusion, shrimps

[northboy]

Hi Mosy,

Is it like the usual paper and rabbits on with method's and other krap or did it get to the point and did the Abstract mostly cover it? I would not mind reading it.

Bob

[fishmosy]

It does go on a little bit about ecological implications of the research, but if you look at the data, there are some good indications of what this species is eating.

With most scientific papers, there is always plenty of stuff in them that isn't useful for aquarists, however if you dig down there is usually some great info amongst them. I think more aquarists should be reading papers as they are a highly valuable resource. I must admit I am biased though, as I spend a fair bit of time reading and writing scientific papers.

[northboy]

Yea I know the BS, I have had my hand in a couple of papers and the board will reject them if they are not just right

Bob

[fishmosy]

Thats about right. Science has its own culture and plenty of conventions. Its a shame in some cases as it stops more awareness of scientific work in the public arena.