Mediterranean octocorallian communities and the abiotic environment

摘要: Octocorallian communities (Coelenterata: Anthozoa) were investigated in 40 underwater stations near Banyuls-sur-Mer (France), as representatives of Mediterranean benthic fauna. The stations, with depths ranging from 0.3 to m, all sampled by means SCUBA-diving. Along a faunistic inventory, the main abiotic properties each station examined, such irradiance, temperature, water movement, slope and presence sediment. By cluster analysis factor analysis, which are briefly outlined this paper, existence 5 separate is demonstrated. Two major factors emerge study, viz. submarine daylight or absence Although community structures found be correlated physical environment, no causal relationships have been established. It suggested that tolerance larval young adult stages play an important role respect.