Effect of environmental factors on the spatial distribution of the epifauna of the alga Halopteris scoparia in Algeciras Bay, Southern Spain

The physical characteristics and environmental versatility of the alga Halopteris scoparia (Phaeophyta, Sphacelariales) make it a suitable substrate for development of epiphytic communities. Spatial variation of the epifauna on this alga in Algeciras Bay (southern Spain) in response to different environmental conditions is investigated. There is a clear difference in community composition between external and internal areas of the bay, with an important group of species present in only one of the areas (e.g., in outer areas crustaceans such as Tanais dulongii or Amphilochus neapolitanus or the polychaete Nicolea venustula; and species from inner areas such as the crustacean Jassa marmorata and the mollusc Alvania montagui or Rissoa similis). The external zone shows high hydrodynamics and low sedimentation rates, whereas in the internal one, there is a high sedimentation rate (as a result of two main rivers, a less strong current regime, and the presence of urban and industrial wastes). The conditions prevailing in the internal zone of the bay are unfavourable for most of the epifaunal species in the external bay areas.