Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Phytal Marine Nematode Assemblages and their Relation with the Macrophytes Structural Complexity in a Brazilian Tropical Rocky Beach

  • Primary Research Article
  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The nematofauna from the seaweeds Sargassum polyceratium Montagne, Hypnea musciformis Küetzing, Padina gymnospora Küetzing and the seagrass Halodule wrightii Ascherson was studied in March 2001, at Pedra do Xaréu, Pernambuco, Brazil, in order to investigate the associations of organisms, as well as the relation between the plant architecture and the associated fauna. Soft sediments adjacent to phytal environments were also investigated. Thirty-eight genera were found, including two new records (Odontanticoma sp. and Wieseria sp.) for the Brazilian coast. Multivariate analyses were carried out in order to verify the relation between nematode assemblages on plants and in sediments. The results showed that these assemblages were different in structure and composition between macrophytes and sediments. They were different in structure but not in composition among macrophytes, so the nematode biodiversity was related to the structural features of macrophytes’ habitats.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • W. Admiraal L. A. Bouwman L. Hoekstra K. Romeyn (1983) ArticleTitleQualitative and quantitative interations between micro-phytobenthos and herbivorous meiofauna on a brackish water intertidal mudflat Internationale Revue der Gesamten Hydrobiologie 68 175–191 Occurrence Handle10.1002/iroh.19830680203

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M. Albay G. Aykulu (2002) ArticleTitleInvertebrate grazer – epiphytic interactions on submerged macrophytes in a mesotropic Turkish lake E.U. Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences 19 IssueID1–2 247–258

    Google Scholar 

  • N. Atilla M. A. Wetzel J. W. Fleeger (2003) ArticleTitleAbundance and colonization potential of artificial hard substrate-associated meiofauna Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 287 273–287 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0022-0981(02)00569-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. Bell M. Westoby (1986) ArticleTitleAbundance of macrofauna in dense seagrass is due habitat preference, not predation Oecologia 68 205–209 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00384788

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. S. Bell K. Walters J. C. Kern (1984) ArticleTitleMeiofauna from seagrass habitats: a review and prospectus for future research Estuaries 7 331–338

    Google Scholar 

  • G. F. Blanchard (1991) ArticleTitleMeasurement of meiofauna grazing rates on microphytobenthos: is primary production a limiting factor? Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 147 37–46 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-0981(91)90035-U

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L. A. Bouwman K. Romeyn D. R. Kremer F. B. Es ParticleVan (1984) ArticleTitleOccurence and feeding biology of some nematode species in estuarine Aufwuchs communities Cahiers de Biologie Marine XXV 287–303

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Chemello M. Milazzo (2002) ArticleTitleEffect of algal architecture on associated fauna: some evidence from phytal molluscs Marine Biology 140 981–990

    Google Scholar 

  • K. R. Clarke (1993) ArticleTitleNon-parametric multivariate analyses of changes in community structure Australian Journal of Ecology 18 117–143

    Google Scholar 

  • K. R. Clarke R. M. Warwick (1994) ArticleTitleSimilarity-based testing for community pattern: the 2-way layout with no replication Marine Biology 118 167–176 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00699231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke , K. R., R. N. Gorley, 2001. PRIMER v5: User Manual/tutorial. PRIMER-E, Plymouth.

  • N. A. Cobb (1917) ArticleTitleNotes on nemas Contribution to Science of Nematology 5 117–128

    Google Scholar 

  • B. C. Coull J. B. J. Wells (1983) ArticleTitleRefuges from fisn predation: experiments with phytal meiofauna from the New Zealand rocky intertidal Ecology 64 15999–16009

    Google Scholar 

  • R. R. Curvelo T. N. Corbisier (2000) ArticleTitleThe meiofauna associated with Sargassum cymosum at Lázaro beach, Ubatuba, São Paulo Revista Brasileira de Oceanografia 48 IssueID2 119–130

    Google Scholar 

  • A. T. Grisse ParticleDe (1969) ArticleTitleRedescription ou modification de quelques techniques utilisés dans l´ étude dês nématodes phytoparasitaires Mededelingen Rijksfakulteit Landbouwwetenschappen Gent 34 351–369

    Google Scholar 

  • I. Mesel ParticleDe S. Derycke J. Swings M. Vincx T. Moens (2003) ArticleTitleInfluence of bacterivorous nematodes on the decomposition of cordgrass Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 296 227–242

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Troch ParticleDe S. F. M. Gurdebeke Fiers Vincx (2001) ArticleTitleZonation and structuring factors of meiofauna communities in a tropical seagrass bed (Gazi Bay, Kenya) Journal of Sea Research 45 45–61

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Troch ParticleDe F. Fiers M. Vincx (2003) ArticleTitleNiche segregation and habitat specialization of harpacticoid copepods in a tropical seagrass bed Marine Biology 142 345–355

    Google Scholar 

  • G. J. Edgar (1983) ArticleTitleThe ecology of south east Tasmanian phytal animal communities. II. Easonal change in plant and animal populations Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 70 159–179

    Google Scholar 

  • G. J. Edgar (1999) ArticleTitleExperimental analysis of structural versus trophic importance of seagrass beds. I. Effects on macrofaunal and meiofaunal invertebrates Vie et Milieu 49 239–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Edgar, G. J. & P. G. Moore, 1986. Macro-algae as habitats for motile macrofauna. In Santelices B. (ed.), Simposio Internacional Usos y funciones ecologicas de las Algas Marinhas Bentônicas. Monographiae Biologicae: 4: 255–277.

  • R. Elmgren (1973) ArticleTitleMethods of sampling sublittoral soft bottom meiofauna Oikos 15 112–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Esteves, A. M., 2002. Nematofauna da planície de maré de Coroa Grande, Baia de Sepetiba-RJ. Ph.D. thesis, Rio de Janeiro. Brasil.

  • S. E. G. Findlay (1982) ArticleTitleEffect of detrital nutritional quality on population dynamics of a marine nematode (Diplolaimella chitwoodi) Marine Biology 68 223–227 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00397610

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. E. G. Findlay K. R. Tenore (1982) ArticleTitleEffect of a free-living marine nematode (Diplolaimella chitwoodi) on detrital carbon mineralization Marine Ecology Progress Series 8 161–166

    Google Scholar 

  • J. J. Gee R. M. Warwick (1994) ArticleTitleMetazoan community structure inrelation to the fractal dimension of marine macroalgae Marine Ecology Progress Series 103 141–150

    Google Scholar 

  • M. J. Gibbsons C. L. Griffiths (1986) ArticleTitleA comparison of macrofaunal and meiofaunal distribution and standing stock across a rocky shore, with an estimate of their productivities Marine Biology 93 181–188

    Google Scholar 

  • N. Gourbault W. Decraemer (1993) ArticleTitleNew species of Glochinema and Metaglochinema (Nematoda, Epsilonematidae) from New Caledonia Zoologica Scripta 22 IssueID3 223–227 Occurrence Handle10.1111/j.1463-6409.1993.tb00353.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N. Gourbault R. M. Warwick M. N. Hellouete (1998) ArticleTitleSpatial and temporal variability in the composition and structure of meiobenthic assemblages (especially nematodes) in tropical beaches (Guaeloupe, FWI) Marine Biology 39 29–39

    Google Scholar 

  • F. C. Gunnil (1982a) ArticleTitleEffects of plant size and distribution on the numbers of interbrate species and individuals inhabiting the grown alga Pelvetia fastigiata Marine Biology 69 263–280

    Google Scholar 

  • F. C. Gunnil (1982b) ArticleTitleMacroalgae as habitat patch islands for Scutellidium lamellipes (Copepoda Harpacticoida) and Ampithoe tea (Amphipoda: Gammaridae) Marine Biology 69 103–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Hacker, S. D. & R. J. Orth, 1980. Seagrass habitats: The role of habitat complexity, competition and predation in structuring associated fish and mobile macroinvertebrate communities. In: Estuarine perspectives. V.S. Kennedy (ed.). Academic Press, New York. Ecology 449–464.

  • S. D. Hacker R. S. Steneck (1990) ArticleTitleHabitat architecture and the abundance and body-size-dependent habitat selection of a phytal amphipod Ecology 71 2269–2285

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Hagerman (1966) ArticleTitleThe macro and microfauna associated with Fucus serratus L., with some ecological remarks Ophelia 3 1–43

    Google Scholar 

  • M. O. Hall S. S. Bell (1993) ArticleTitleMeiofauna on the seagrass Thalassia testudinum: population characteristics of harpacticoid copepods and associations with algal epiphytes Marine Biology 116 137–146 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00350741

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • K. L. Heck C. S. Wetstone (1977) ArticleTitleHabitat complexity and invertebrates species richness and abundance in tropical seagrass meadows Journal of Biogeography 4 135–142

    Google Scholar 

  • C. Heip M. Vincx G. Vranken (1985) ArticleTitleThe ecology of marine nematodes Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 23 399–489

    Google Scholar 

  • G. R. F. Hicks (1977a) ArticleTitleObservations on substrate preference of marine phytal Harpacticoids (Copepoda) Hydrobiologia 56 IssueID1 7–9 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00023278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • G. R. F. Hicks (1977b) ArticleTitleSpecies composition and zoogeography of marine phytal harpacticoid copepods from Cook Strait, and their contribution to total phytal meiofauna New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 1 441–469

    Google Scholar 

  • G. R. F. Hicks (1980) ArticleTitleStructure of phytal harpacticoid copepod assemblages and the influence of habitat complexity and turbidity Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 44 157–192 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-0981(80)90151-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R. P. Higgins H. Thiel (1988) Introduction to the Study of Meiofauna Smithsonian Institution Press London

    Google Scholar 

  • B. E. Hopper S. P. Meyers (1967) ArticleTitleFoliicolous marine nematodes on turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum König, in Biscayne Bay, Florida Bulletin of Marine Science 17 471–517

    Google Scholar 

  • S. C. Jarvis R. Seed (1996) ArticleTitleThe meiofauna of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis: characterization of the assemblages associated with two common epiphytes Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 199 249–267 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-0981(95)00184-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. C. Johnson R. E. Scheibling (1987) ArticleTitleStructure and dynamics of epifaunal assemblages on intertidal macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus in Nova Scotia, Canada Marine Ecology Progress Series 37 209–227

    Google Scholar 

  • K. Kito (1975) ArticleTitlePreliminary report on the phytal animals in the Sargassum confusum region in Oshoro Bay, Hokkaido Journal of the Faculty of Science of Hokkaido University. Serie VI. Zoology 20 IssueID1 141–158

    Google Scholar 

  • K. Kito (1982) ArticleTitlePhytal marine nematode assemblage on Sargassum confusum Agardh with reference to the structure and seasonal fluctuations Journal of the Faculty of Science of Hokkaido University. Serie VI. Zoology 23 IssueID1 143–161

    Google Scholar 

  • J. J. Lee J. H. Tietjen C. Mastropaolo H. Rubin (1977) ArticleTitleFood quality and the heterogeneous spatial distribution of meiofauna Helgolander Meeresunters 30 272–282

    Google Scholar 

  • K. M. Martin-Smith (1993) ArticleTitleAbundance of mobile epifauna: the role of habitat complexity and predation by fishes Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 174 243–260 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-0981(93)90020-O

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J. Mikola H. Setälä (1998) ArticleTitleRelating species diversity to ecosystem functioning: machanisms background and experimental approach with a decomposer food web Oikos. 83 180–194

    Google Scholar 

  • T. Moens M. Vincx (1997) ArticleTitleObservations on the feeding ecology of estuarine nematodes Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 77 211–227

    Google Scholar 

  • T. Moens L. Verbeeck A. Mayer ParticleDe J. Swings M. Vincx (1999) ArticleTitleSelective attraction of marine bacterivorous nematodes to their bacterial food Marine EcologyProgress Series 176 165–178

    Google Scholar 

  • P. C. Montouchet (1979) ArticleTitleSur la communauté des animaux vagiles associés a Sargassum cymosum C. Agardh a Ubatuba, État de São Paulo, Brésil Studies of Neotropical Fauna Environment 14 33–64

    Google Scholar 

  • P. G. Moore (1971) ArticleTitleThe nematode fauna associated with holdfasts of kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) in north-east Britain Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 51 589–604

    Google Scholar 

  • P. G. Moore (1977) ArticleTitleAdditions to the littoral fauna of Rockall, with a description of Araeolaimus Penelope sp. Nov. (Nematoda: Axonolaimidae) Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 57 191–200 Occurrence Handle10.1017/S0025315400021330

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • H. Mukai (1971) ArticleTitleThe phytal animals on the thalli of Sargassum serratifolium in the Sargassum region, with reference to their seasonal fluctuations Marine Biology 8 170–182 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00350932

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ólafsson, E., J. Ullberg & N. L. Arroyo, 2004. The clam Malcoma balthica prevents in situ growth of algal mats in shallow soft-bottoms: implications for development of meiofaunal assemblages. Manuscript In Ullberg, J., 2004. Dispersal in free-living, marine, benthic nematodes: passive or active processes? Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Zoology, Stockolm University, Sweden.

  • Oliveira, C. R. F., C. H. C. Matos & C. M. C. Da Rocha, 2000. Aspectos da comunidade meiofaunística associada a Hypnea musciformis e Padina gymnospora na praia de Candeias, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, PE. Paper presented at V Simpósio de Ecossistemas Brasileiros: Conservação, 2000. Vitória, Brasil.

  • M. A. Palmer (1988) ArticleTitleDispersal of marine meiofauna: a review and conceptual model explaining passive transport and active emergence with implications for recruitment Marine Ecology Progress Series 48 81–91

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Preston P. G. Moore (1988) ArticleTitleThe flora and fauna associated with Cladophora albida Kutz. From rockpools on Great Gambrae Island, Scotland Ophelia 29 169–186

    Google Scholar 

  • P. Riera C. Hubas (2003) ArticleTitleTrophic ecology of nematodes from various microhabitats of the Roscoff Aber Bay (France): importante of stranded macroalgae evidenced through δ13C and δ15N Marine Ecology Progress Series 260 151–159 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXht1aksA%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seed, R. & P. J. S. Boaden, 1977. Epifaunal Ecology of intertidal algae. In Keegan B. F. et al. (ed.), Biology of Benthic Organisms: 11th European symposium on Marine Biology, Galway, October, 1976. European Marine Biology Symposia, 11: 541–548.

  • J. Sharma J. M. Webster (1983) ArticleTitleThe abundance and distribution of free-living nematodes from two canadian Pacific beaches Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 16 217–227 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0272-7714(83)90141-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • P. J. Sommerfield F. Jeal (1996) ArticleTitleThe distribution of Halacaridae (Acari: Prostigmata) among macroalgae on sheltered rocky shores Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 76 255–257

    Google Scholar 

  • A. S. Tararam Y. Wakabara (1981) ArticleTitleThe móbile fauna – especially Gammaridae of Sargassum cymosum Marine Ecology Progress Series 5 157–163

    Google Scholar 

  • J. H. Tietjen J. J. Lee (1973) ArticleTitleLife history and feeding habits of the amrine nematode, Chromadora macrolaimoides Steiner Oecologia 12 303–314 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00345045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D. Trotter J. M. Webster (1983) ArticleTitleDistribution and abundance of marine nematodes on the kelp Macrocystis integrfolia Marine Biology 78 39–43 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00392969

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J. Ullberg E. Ólafsson (2003) ArticleTitleFree-living marine nematodes actively choose habitat when descending from the water column Marine Ecology Progress Series 260 141–149

    Google Scholar 

  • R. M. Warwick (1977) The structure and seasonal fluctuations of phytal marine nematode associations on the isles of scilly C. Boaden (Eds) Marine Biology of Benthic Organisms Keegan Pergamon Press London 577–585

    Google Scholar 

  • R. M. Warwick (1981) Survival strategies of meiofauna N. V. Jones W. J. Wolff (Eds) Feeding and Survival strategies of Estuarine Organisms Plenum Pres New York 39–52

    Google Scholar 

  • M. A. Wetzel A. Weber O. Giere (2002) ArticleTitleRe-colonization of anoxic/sulfidic sediments by marine nematodes alter experimental renoval of macroalgal cover Marine Biology 141 679–689 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XnvVSgsLY%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • W. Wieser (1951) ArticleTitleUntersuchungen über die algaenbewohnende Mikrofauna mariner Hartböden. I. Zur Oekologie und Systematik der Nematodenfauna von Plymouth Osterreichische Zoologische Zeitschrift, Bd 3 425–480

    Google Scholar 

  • W. Wieser (1953) ArticleTitleDie Beziehung zwischen Mundhohlengestalt, Ernahrungsweise un Vorkommen bei freilebeden marinen Nematoden Eine okologisch-morphologische Studie. Arkive Zoologische 4 439–484

    Google Scholar 

  • W. Wieser (1954) ArticleTitleUntersuchungen über die algenbewohnende Mikrofauna mariner Hartböden. III. Zür Systematik der freilebenden Nematoden des Mittelmeeres Hydrobiologia 6 144–217 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00039417

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • W. Wieser (1959) ArticleTitleFreeliving marine nematodes. IV. General part. Reports of Lund University Chile Expedition, 1948–9 Acta University Lund., N.F., Avd. 2, Bd 55 1–111

    Google Scholar 

  • J. H. Zar (1996) Biological Analysis Prentice Hall New Jersey

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Depto. de Biologia, UFRPE, Av. Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife-PE, 52171-900, CEP, Brazil

    C.M.C. Da Rocha

  2. Depto. de Zoologia, UFPE, CCB, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Recife-PE, 50670-901, CEP, Brazil

    V. Venekey, T.N.C. Bezerra & J.R.B. Souza

Authors
  1. C.M.C. Da Rocha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. V. Venekey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. T.N.C. Bezerra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. J.R.B. Souza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C.M.C. Da Rocha.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Da Rocha, C., Venekey, V., Bezerra, T. et al. Phytal Marine Nematode Assemblages and their Relation with the Macrophytes Structural Complexity in a Brazilian Tropical Rocky Beach. Hydrobiologia 553, 219–230 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-0923-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-0923-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation