This study investigates the composition and spatial
distribution of meiofauna within the shallow coral reef ecosystem of the
Pangkajene Islands, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Samples were collected from 19
sites at depths of 6 to 8 meters, which showed stable oceanographic conditions
but significant variation in live coral cover, ranging from 10.27% to 78.47%. A
total of 13 meiofaunal taxa were identified from the sediment samples, with
Nematoda being the most dominant group, making up more than 50% of the total
population recorded. Other frequently present taxa included Harpacticoida,
Polychaeta, Turbellaria, Foraminifera, and Nauplii. Meiofaunal density varied
widely across the sites, from as low as 123 individuals per 10 cm² to as high
as 5,235 individuals per 10 cm², with an overall average of 1,037±1,145
individuals per 10 cm². Multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis and
non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS), identified three distinct station
groups, indicating a high level of spatial variation in environmental
conditions. Although habitat complexity from live coral structures is a key
ecological factor, the study found no direct link between meiofaunal density
and live coral cover. Instead, sediment properties such as grain size and
organic matter availability had a more substantial influence on meiofaunal
distribution. Stations with fine sand sediments generally supported higher
meiofaunal abundance. These findings emphasise the importance of benthic
microhabitat conditions, especially sediment characteristics, in shaping
meiofaunal community structure in coral reef ecosystems. The study also
supports the potential of meiofauna as sensitive bioindicators for assessing
the health of these habitats.
Author(s) Details
Susetiono
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency
(BRIN), Indonesia.
H.A.W. Cappenberg
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency
(BRIN), Indonesia.
J. Souhoka
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency
(BRIN), Indonesia.
Endang S. Srimariana
Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and
Marine Sciences, IPB University
Dramaga Bogor, Jawa Barat-166680, Indonesia.
E. Widyastuti
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency
(BRIN), Indonesia.
T. Sidabutar
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency
(BRIN), Indonesia.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v7/6212
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