An Investigation into the Trophic Ecology and Introduction of the Winged Box Jellyfish, Alatina Alata, in Hawaii
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Authors
Harrington, Anita Grace
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Marine Science
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Abstract
Alatina alata, the winged box jellyfish, is a stinging cubozoan known for its regular, monthly influxes along Oahu's southern shore occurring consistently between 8 and 12 days after each full moon. In spite of the serious hazard posed by monthly mass sting events, little scientific attention has been focused on the trophic ecology of this species and whether it is native to the region or introduced. The main objectives of this study were to: 1) use stable isotopes to better understand the trophic feeding level of A. alata; 2) determine if A. alata is the sole species responsible for influx events on Oahu; and 3) compare mtDNA sequences to specimens in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins to assess the likelihood of an introduction. Isotope ratios, δ15N and δ13C, from the bell tissue of A. alata (n = 32) and well as various taxa within the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre were compared. Isotope ratios between two low trophic level fish, the bigeye scad and the goldspot herring (Selar crumenophthalumus and Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus) and A. alata were not significantly different (p-value = 0.04, 0.10 respectively). Based on the high trophic variance (0.95 for δ15N and 1.10 for δ13C ) over the 6 month period, A. alata was classified as a generalist. Over the course of 12 monthly influxes, A. alata were collected along Waikiki beach and their mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) were amplified (n = 108). Hawaii sequences were compared to Australia, Saipan and Bonaire. Hawaii specimens shared haplotypes with Australia and Saipan specimens and no significant genetic differentiation was exhibited between Hawaii and Atlantic (Bonaire) populations (FST = 0.008). Results from the study suggest Alatina alata was introduced to Hawaiian waters, and should be classified as an invasive species in Hawaii.
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Hawaii Pacific University