Effect of environmental factors on the spatial variation of the epifaunal polychaetes of the alga Halopteris scoparia in Algeciras Bay (Strait of Gibraltar)

摘要: The effect of environmental factors on spatial variation the polychaete community alga Halopteris scoparia in Algeciras Bay (Spain) was investigated. Environmental gradients (outer and inner areas) were detected, based fundamentally hydrodynamism, solids suspension,% organic matter sediment, structural complexity plant. Polychaetes can give information strong gradients, especially pollution, but showed little discrimination among stations, due mainly to great homogeneity generally by these communities. This result quantitative importance ubiquitous species, such as Platynereis dumerilii, Sphaerosyllis hystrix, Syllis prolifera, Amphiglena mediterranea, others. outer zone, however, included a number species with few individuals low dominance, which most characteristic terebellid Nicolea venustula. seems have hydrodynamic requirements may been limited excess accumulated sediment alga. More collected exclusive areas, did not penetrate into bay, while also found zone. As whole, majority located intermediate conditions, indicating generalist character species.