Spatial and temporal distribution of the meiofauna on Sargassum polyceratium Montagne (Fucales, Sargassaceae) from a rocky shore in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The phytal assemblages are known for sheltering an abundant and diversified meiofauna that is regulated by plant morphology, as well as by the quantity of sediment and epiphytes quantity. In this work, the influence of Sargassum polyceratium morphology on quali-quantitative distribution of the meiofauna was studied. Collections were done in August, November and December 1999 and January, March and April 2000 in four sites at Pedra do Xaréu beach, Pernambuco. In each site, three seaweeds were removed and each one was cut in three parts (basis, medium and apex). The meiofauna comprised 22 taxons. The total mean density, considering the whole algae, varied from 248,41 to 852,65 ind/20 ml. The community was dominated by Copepoda Harpacticoida. A different colonization was registered on the seaweed parts, and also could be seen the influence of the regional seasonality and local hydrodinamics in the community. These results were interpreted as resulting from seaweed substract bioecology. Therefore, was observed a more stable community on the seaweed base and higher densities in the rainy season and in the station with greater wave influence.