Spatial distribution of epibenthic molluscs on a sandstone reef in the Northeast of Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Biology

As. Martinez²  Lf. Mendes²  Ts. Leite¹ 

[1] ,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Departamento de Botânica Laboratório do OceanoNatal RN ,Brazil

关键词: molluscs;    epifauna;    sandstone reef;    substrate cover;    Brazil;    moluscos;    epifauna;    recife arenítico;    cobertura do substrato;    Brasil;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1519-69842012000200009

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The present study investigated the distribution and abundance of epibenthic molluscs and their feeding habits associated to substrate features (coverage and rugosity) in a sandstone reef system in the Northeast of Brazil. Rugosity, low coral cover and high coverage of zoanthids and fleshy alga were the variables that influenced a low richness and high abundance of a few molluscan species in the reef habitat. The most abundant species were generalist carnivores, probably associated to a lesser offer and variability of resources in this type of reef system, when compared to the coral reefs. The results found in this study could reflect a normal characteristic of the molluscan community distribution in sandstone reefs, with low coral cover, or could indicate a degradation state of this habitat if it is compared to coral reefs, once that the significantly high coverage of fleshy alga has been recognized as a negative indicator of reef ecosystems health.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
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