Assemblages of algae and invertebrates in southern California Phyllospadix - dominated intertidal habitats
Stewart JG and Myers B. 1980. Assemblages of algae and invertebrates in southern California Phyllospadix - dominated intertidal habitats. Aquatic Botany. 9:73-94
The assemblages of macroalgae and macroinvertebrates that coexist in intertidal Phyl· lospadix beds at seven sites in San Diego County, California, are described quantitatively . Most of the algae are attached to benthic substrates (68 of 71 species) ; one of the 90 recorded invertebrates is restricted to the blades of Phyllospadix species. The composite data, considered to be characteristic of beds of both P. torreyi S. Watson and P. scouleri W. Hook. at the sites sampled, are compared qualitatively with the biota in various other adjacent and nearby habitats. With the exception of four epibiotic taxa, found only on blades of the surfgrass, the organisms are not uniquely associated with habitats where Phyllospadix plants are present. No patterns of seasonal fluctuation were evident in either species abundance or occurrences. Several ubiquitous species were consistently found in larger numbers, but most were observed infrequently .
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Stewart, Joan; Myers, Barbara
- Units
- CABR
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Epiphytic Diatom, Macroinvertebrates, Marine Flowering Plants, Plant Studies