Vertical distribution of benthic marine organisms on rocky coasts of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago (Brazil)

Autores

  • Verena Rapp de Eston Universidade de São Paulo; Instituto Oceanográfico
  • Alvaro Esteves Migotto Universidade de São Paulo; Centro de Biologia Marinha
  • Eurico Cabral de Oliveira Filho Universidade de São Paulo; Instituto de Biociências
  • Sergio de Almeida Rodrigues Universidade de São Paulo; Instituto de Biociências
  • Jose Carlos de Freitas Universidade de São Paulo; Instituto de Biociências

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-87591986000100004

Palavras-chave:

Meio ambiente bentônico, Composição da comunidade, Lista das espécies, Distribuição quantitativa, Distribuição vertical, Arquipélago oceânico, Necton, Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha^i2^sBra

Resumo

Qualitative samples of flora and fauna were collected in several points, from the supralittoral fringe down to 30 m, using mainly aqualungs. Species distribution and abundance were determined along four transects, up to 200 m long, in selected places. Samples were taken from 25 x 25 cm quadrats positioned at fixed intervals along the transects down to a variable depth, depending on algal percentage cover and their substrate. The intertidal zone was populated essentially by molluscs. The subtidal was covered predominantly by macroalgae. Montastrea cavernosa, Siderastrea stellata and Mussismillia hispida were the only animal species with a significant percentage cover within the quadrats. Dictyopteris justii, D. plagiograma, Dictyota cervicornis, D. linearis, D. mertensii, Sargassum platycarpum, Sargassum sp, and Stypopodium zonale were the plants with the highest biomass and/or percentage cover, along with Amphiroa fragilissima, Caulerpa verticillata, and crustose corallines. The scarcity of sea urchins, along with the dominance of algae known to produce chemical feeding deterrents or to have a calcareous nature, points towards a strong pressure by predators, with fishes probably playing a key role in the maintenance of the structure of this subtidal community.

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Publicado

1986-01-01

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Como Citar

Vertical distribution of benthic marine organisms on rocky coasts of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago (Brazil) . (1986). Boletim Do Instituto Oceanográfico, 34(unico), 37-53. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-87591986000100004