ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
meiofauna
;
Plathelminthes
;
tidal flats
;
distribution
;
abundances
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Assemblages of free-living interstitial plathelminths are described from the tropical coast of northeastern Australia. About one hundred species were recorded from sediments of mangroves, tidal flats, and seagrass beds. The majority (88%) of the plathelminths occurred in only one havitat. Richest in species were Kalyptorhynchia (39), followed by Acoela (17) and Typhloplanoida (16). Over 50% of the species found were represented by one to three individuals, but a few species were frequently encountered. The preferred habitat was sand with 86% of all species, while abundances were higher in muddy sediments. The mean species density was 7 in 10 cm−2 of sediment, and abundances ranged from 8 to 52 individuals 10 cm−2 with an average plathelminth abundance of 25 individuals 10 cm−2. Predatory plathelminths were predominant with up to 77% of the individuals. A comparison is made to plathelminth assemblages in temperate tidal flats.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00027625
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