Epizoic algae on Emys orbicularis (LINNAEUS, 1758), and Mauremys rivulata (VALENCIENNES, 1833), in the Kayak River Delta (Saros Bay, Turkey) (Testudines: Emydidae, Geoemydidae)

Akgul R., ÇAPRAZLI T., TÜRKER N., ERDUĞAN H., TOSUNOĞLU M.

HERPETOZOA, vol.27, pp.21-28, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Journal Name: HERPETOZOA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.21-28
  • Keywords: Reptilia: Testudines: Emydidae, Geoemydidae, Emys orbicularis, Mauremys rivulata, ecology, epizoic algae, Kayak River Delta, Province of Canakkale, Thrace, Turkey, TURTLES, BASICLADIA
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Four Mauremys rivulata (VALENCIENNES, 1833) and thirty-nine Emys orbicularis (LINNAEUS, 1758) collected in the Kayak River Delta (Saros Bay, Province of Canakkale, Turkish Thrace) were examined for epizoic algae on tail and carapace surfaces. Algae samples were grouped according to turtle species and shell size to detect potential patterns in the distributions of algae. Fourteen taxa of epizoic algae that were collected by scraping were identified from the turtles. Algae of the genera Chamaesiphon, Phormidium and Oscillatoria were found most frequently. The amount of algal growth was less in M rivulata than E. orbicularis when turtles of similar carapax length were compared.