Composition, distribution and substrates of the sponge fauna (Porifera: Demospongiae) at the National Park of Anavilhanas

摘要: Freshwater sponges, being sessile animals, heavily depend upon a substrate on which their larvae or gemmules will settle. It is expected different sponge species to exhibit preferences adaptations specific substrates and habitats. Studies targeted evaluate the role play in distribution of freshwater communities are rare. Here we effect habitats igapos Anavilhanas, world largest archipelago. Two surveys aiming uncover fauna corresponding were performed Anavilhanas National Park at low water period, when seasonally flooded surfaces exposed. transects carried out by boat along margins River Negro its canals among islands inside parts yet inundated forest. Also several higher time free flooding waters crossed foot. The crusts first visually searched for next sampled, having GPS taken environments shortly described. association between presence nine species, seven types detected used Redundancy Analysis (RDA). two axes RDA accounted 45.9% variation data. overall was significant (P = 0.005; Number permutations 199). Substrates, especially trunks, branches, leaves sand, more important than explain variability species. Key words: Continental substrates, shaded habitats, pulses, Brazilian Amazonia.