Caracterización de zoobentos asociada a la macroalga Padina pavonica en el litoral rocoso de Barbasquillo desde febrero – julio 2022, Manta- Ecuador.

Abstract

The bento is constituted as one of the most important links in the trophic web of aquatic ecosystems, its role is fundamental and lies in the transfer of energy between primary and tertiary producers. The objective of this study is to characterize the zoobenthos associated with the macroalga Padina pavonica in the rocky coast of Barbasquillo and its relationship with the physicochemical parameters. Bimonthly, between February - July 2022, the sea surface temperature (TSM) and the pH were measured, which presented normal average values of (26.37°C) and alkaline pH values (7.3). Twenty-eight species of zoobenthic organisms, 26 families, 26 genera and 6 phylums, were identified. Abundance was represented in percentages, with Anachis reedi being the species with a high density of total individuals, 384 org / 5 m2 (35.12%). On the other hand, Cerithium browni corresponding to the Cerethidae family was the second most dominant group with 241 org/5 m 2 (23.91%), likewise the Opheliidae family corresponding to the species Polyophthalmus pictus 101 org/ 5 m2 (10.02 %). The month with the highest number of individuals in monitoring was May with 208 while February had a low abundance of 101 individuals in relation to the proportion of monitoring carried out in the 6 months. Simpson's diversity showed high average values and little variables around 0.77, while H' presented an average of 1.92, values reflected in ranges of 1,835 (July) and 2,086 (March) emphasizing low diversity. Abundance and diversity did not show correlation or significant differences in the parameters of temperature, and pH. It is proposed that the zoobentho density in the area is influenced by the combination of large-scale factors that involve different aspects, such as nutrient supplementation, species propagation, food availability, physical and physiological stress, as well as the interaction between species.