Dynamics of intertidal meiofaunal benthos in a tropical mangrove swamp, southeastern Nigeria. – I. Ewa-Oboho, S. W. Petters, E. I. Oboho
ABSTRACT
Changes in densities of meiofaunal nematodes and copepods during the period from December 2006 to September 2007 are described for seven locations in the Cross River estuary. There were no consistent patterns of change in either the number of species of copepod or the genus. Large fluctuations in total numbers of nematodes were prevalent at the various sampling locations throughout the year. The population density of most species changed during the year, but these could not be related to the seasons. Rather, it is speculated that non-seasonal environmental factors are of greater significance. The densities of a few species remained constant all through the year. Total density was strongly related to tidal height and mangrove litters, with highest densities at low water levels.