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Intertidal meiofauna of the St Lawrence estuary (Quebec, Canada): diversity, biomass and feeding structure of nematode assemblages
Tita, G.; Desrosiers, G.; Vincx, M.; Clément, M. (2002). Intertidal meiofauna of the St Lawrence estuary (Quebec, Canada): diversity, biomass and feeding structure of nematode assemblages. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 82(5): 779-791. dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315402006148
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Benthos > Meiobenthos
    Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms
    Behaviour > Feeding behaviour
    Characteristics > Diversity
    Ecological zonation
    Population characteristics > Biomass
    Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
    Nematoda [WoRMS]
    ANW, Canada, Quebec, St. Lawrence Estuary [Marine Regions]; Canada [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Authors  Top 
  • Tita, G.
  • Desrosiers, G.
  • Vincx, M., more
  • Clément, M.
Abstract
    The meiofauna of the St Lawrence estuary was investigated in the intertidal zone of the Parc du Bic (Quebec, Canada). Five nematode assemblages were distinguished by a cluster analysis: A1 and A2 (upper-tide level); A3 (mid-tide level); A4 and A5 (low-tide level). Discriminant function analysis showed that exposure time during low tide was the most important environmental factor in determining differences between assemblages. Chlorophyll-a, phaeopigments, sediment water content, and per cent of silt followed in the same order. Nematode densities (400–1500 ind 10 cm-2) were found to be lower than those generally reported for other estuarine intertidal zones of the eastern Atlantic coast. Mean nematode biomass in the five assemblages ranged between 96±14 and 248±86 µg Corg 10 cm-2. Deposit feeders were generally the dominant nematode feeding group in terms of abundance and biomass. Correlation of epigrowth-feeders with chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments, respectively, suggested that in the upper-tide level, old or partially degraded phytodetritus contribute more to the diet of this nematode feeding group; and in the low-tide level epigrowth-feeders may rely more on ‘fresher’ phytodetritus.
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