ECOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON POLYPLACOPHORA IN A Halodule wrightii Ascherson MEADOW AND NEW RECORDS FOR NORTHEAST AND BRAZILIAN COAST
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65259/rnzool.v7i1.69Keywords:
Seagrass ecology, shoal grass, Chaetopleura isabellae, Ischnochiton niveus, Ischnochiton striolatusAbstract
Due to their preferential occurrence on hard substrates and the few studies on specific communities associated with the shoal grass Halodule wrightii, investigations addressing chitons in seagrass ecosystems and the ecological relationships between these organisms are scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of chitons in a H. wrightii bed established on a rocky beach and determine the functions of the seagrass for this community. The species Ischnochiton sp., Ischnochiton striolatus, Ischnochiton niveus and Chaetopleura isabellae were recorded in this ecosystem. I. niveus is recorded for the first time for Brazil and C. isabellae is recorded for the first time for the northeastern coast of the country. The irregular distribution of chitons in the ecosystem studied may be related to both the habits of the species and environmental influences. The findings of the present study suggest that chitons have a preference for seagrasses due to the abundant rocky substrates around the meadow for their establishment. The seagrass serves as shelter, feeding and nursery grounds for this community.
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