Diversidade e distribuição de Zoantídeos no ambiente recifal de Picãozinho - João Pessoa, PB.

Abstract

Reefs are amongst the most diverse ecosystems worldwide. In Brazil, they house large proportions of zoanthids and algae, and this is one of the unique features that is distinguished from other reefs. The present study aimed to evaluated percent cover and distribution of zoanthids at Picãozinho reef, João Pessoa, PB. Data was collected by means of video-transects over the reef substrate and using still frames where 50 random sampling points were randomly plotted and percent cover estimated. Three zones were distinguished (Flat, Transition and Crest), and overlapping and segregation patterns were evaluated. Total cover of zoanthids on the reef was 34%, slightly lower than that of algae, with 45%. The most abundant zoanthid was Palythoa caribaeorum, covering 16% of the substrate, followed by Zoanthus sociatus, with 11%, and Protopalythoa variabilis, with 7,4%. Palythoa caribaeorum was exclusively found at the Crest zone. Zoanthus sociatus and Protopalythoa variabilis showed somewhat high percent covers at the Transition and Flat zones, which were also abundantly colonized by algae. Zoanthids shower marked differences among zones and, apparently, interspecific competition, substrate type and physical and chemical factors were important determinants of the observed patterns.