Abstract

AMAYA VALLEJO, VANESSA. Echinometra vanbrunti (Echinometridae) as a Host of Commensal Relationships in the Colombian Pacific Ocean. Acta biol.Colomb. [online]. 2007, vol.12, n.1, pp.57-66. ISSN 0120-548X.

Between June, 2003 and February, 2004 the accompanying benthic fauna living inside the boreholes of Echinometra vanbrunti in the Green Cliff of the Palma Island, Málaga BayColombian Pacific, was studied in order to detect ecological relationships between it and the urchin. Accompanying fauna composition, abundance and interactions with E. vanbrunti were studied. There were 27 accompanying species registered, from six different taxa, being Crustacea the most representative of them. Only Clastotoechus gorgonensis and Thais melones were classified as frequent and abundant companions inside the boreholes. No species were classified as permanent companions. The urchin’s size conditions the abundance of accompanying fauna, and the kind of relationship established between frequent companions and E. vanbrunti was opportunist commensal like, where companions received protection and shelter, as the urchin didn’t receive any damage or benefit at all.

Keywords : accompanying fauna; commensal relationships; Colombia.

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