Spatial and seasonal variation of the density and biomass of meiofauna at higher taxonomic group levels were studied and related to sediment characteristics and water masses in São Sebastião Channel. The sampling was done at ten stations in the channel in February (summer) and August (winter) 1994. In the summer, the mean density was 605 ± 442 individuals per 4.9 cm², and in the winter, the mean density decreased to 213 ± 181 individuals per 4.9 cm². Total mean biomass ranged from 184.7 ± 156.8 ¼g x 4.9 cm-2 to 66.6 ± 48.9 ¼g x 4.9 cm-2, showing similar pattern as the density. Nematoda was the main group at most stations followed by Copepoda, as function of sediment type. Meiofauna characteristics at São Sebastião Channel reflected both the heterogeneous spatial distribution of the sediment along the channel and its seasonal variation, as well.
Meiofauna; Ecology; Continental shelf; Sediment; São Sebastião Channel; Brazil
