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Sediment effects on interstitial fauna distribution in Brazilian sandy beaches: a multi-phylum approach

Thainá Cortez , Giulia Marangoni, Sónia Andrade, Maikon Di Domenico

Abstract

Context: In sandy beaches, the interstitial system, i.e., spaces among grains, forms a habitat that supports a diversity of both micro- and meiofauna. The interstitial fauna exhibits wide richness and diversity. Sediment-specific impacts on these communities remain understudied from a broader perspective. Aims: To describe the interstitial fauna using a multi-phylum approach and to explore the influence of variations in sediment characteristics on both meso- (within beach) and macro (between beaches) scales. Methods: We sampled ten sandy beaches, performed granulometric analyses, and searched for potential associations between communities’ assemblages and sediment characteristics. Key results: Eight phyla were identified, exhibitinhg a patchy distribution pattern at the mesoscale. Coarse, medium, and fine sediment assemblages differed significantly. At the macroscale, phylum preference for sediment type (coarse, medium, and fine) was observed, where annelids, flatworms, and nemerteans were abundant in the coarse sediment, and nematodes, in the fine sediment. Conclusions: Sediment, along with other ecological factors, plays a role in determining the richness of interstitial assemblages. Not only grain size but also sorting degree and skewness notably influence the abundance of interstitial communities. Implications: Ecological studies of interstitial fauna from a broader perspective offer a more comprehensive understanding of interstitial communities and provide valuable insights into habitat preferences.

MF24192  Accepted 06 January 2025

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