A quantitative analysis of fine scale distribution of intertidal meiofauna in response to food resources

Abstract

Fine scale vertical and spatial distribution of meiofauna in relation to food abundance was studied in the intertidal sediment at Dias Beach. The major abiotic factors showed significant changes and progressive fine scale decrease in vertical distribution, with increasing depth in the sediments. Meiofauna were concentrated more in the 4-6 mm and decreased progressively in the deeper layer. The density of meiofauna was high at mid tide level. Nematodes, turbillarians and harpacticoids were the taxa recorded. Spatially, meiofauna showed patchy dispersion, related to the availability of food and predation