Structure and dynamics of the macrobenthic communities of Ubatuba Bay, southeastern Brazilian Coast

摘要: Species composition, distribution, density, biomass, diversity and trophic relationships of the macrobenthic communities in Ubatuba Bay, southeastern Brazilian coast, were investigated seasonally from August 1995 to June 1996. Sampling was carried out at 9 stations between 4 13 m depth taken duplicate with a 0.1m² van Veen grab. Two hundred five macrofaunal species identified, presenting low dominance frequency. Polychaetes nematodes dominated, representing 89% whole fauna. Spatial variations structure correlated sediment type whereas seasonal increase wave size current disturbance over substrate during rainy period. Carnivore surface deposit-feeder polychaetes dominant, totalling 81% species. Mean grain size, fine sand, very silt clay contents among main factors related patterns density groups. Multivariate analysis showed that area may be divided into two groups each them characterized, respectively, by presence Magelona papillicornis Mediomastus capensis.