Population Dynamics of the Polychaetous Annelids of an Intertidal Habitat in Upper Old Tampa Bay,Florida

Following an extensive red-tide induced mass mortality of the benthic macrofauna of a sandy intertidal habitat, the population dynamics of the polychaete species were studied. Detailed studies of the 12 most abundant species are presented. Data concerning total population levels, reproduction, recruitment, distribution within the intertidal zone, and gut content analyses are integrated in order to explain the observed spatial and temporal patterns of distribution and abundance. Potential competive interactions for food are considered to be the most important factor for explaining the observed ecological patterns. The polychaete species studied are divided into three trophic guilds: an omnivorous guild that feeds predaciously and as non-selective deposit feeders, a surface feeding guild consisting of species usually considered to be selective surface deposit feeders, and a subsurface feeding guild usually considered as non-selective infaunal deposit feeders. Within and between guild interactions are discussed.