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Tidal migration of nematodes on an estuarine tidal flat (the Molenplaat, Schelde Estuary, SW Netherlands)
Steyaert, M.; Herman, P.M.J.; Moens, T.; Widdows, J.; Vincx, M. (2001). Tidal migration of nematodes on an estuarine tidal flat (the Molenplaat, Schelde Estuary, SW Netherlands). Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 224: 299-304. dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps224299
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open access 99105 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic animals > Marine invertebrates
    Distribution > Geographical distribution > Vertical distribution
    Environmental effects > Tidal effects
    Particulates > Suspended particulate matter
    Rainfall
    Velocity > Current velocity
    Enoploides longispiculosus Vitiello, 1967 [WoRMS]; Hypodontolaimus trichophora [WoRMS]; Nematoda [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Meiobenthos; nematodes; Westerschelde; tidal flat; migration; tidal cycle
Authors  Top 
  • Steyaert, M.
  • Herman, P.M.J.
  • Moens, T.
  • Widdows, J.
  • Vincx, M.
Abstract
    The vertical distribution patterns of the nematode community and of the 10 most dominant nematode species on an intertidal flat in the Schelde Estuary (the Molenplaat, The Netherlands) are described at specific time intervals over a tidal cycle. The observed distribution profiles indicate that vertical migrations occur and are species-specific. The predatory Enoploides longispiculosus and the deposit-feeding Daptonema normandicum migrated upwards at incoming tide and downwards when the flat became exposed, while another deposit feeder,Daptonema setosum, did the opposite. Several abiotic and biotic factors may contribute to the observed patterns. Hydrodynamics, pore water drainage and episodic steep increases in temperature upon low tide exposure as well as vertical movements of prey organisms may have been of particular relevance at the time and site of sampling. However, the impact of each of these factors needs further investigation. The present study corroborates the dynamic nature of vertical distribution profiles of nematodes in intertidal sediments, highlighting the importance of sampling time with respect to the tide, as well as a species approach.
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