THE MEIOFAUNA OF ASCOPHYLLUM-NODOSUM (L) LE JOLIS - CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ASSEMBLAGES ASSOCIATED WITH 2 COMMON EPIPHYTES

The meiofaunal assemblages associated with 2 common epiphytes of Ascop hyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis, Pilayella littoralis (L.) Kjellman and P olysiphonia lanosa (L.) Tandy on a sheltered rocky shore in North Wale s are described. A total of 40 permanent meiofaunal species was found, of which 26 were harpacticoid copepods. Faunal abundance in both epip hytes displayed little temporal variation at high taxonomic levels, bu t classification analysis detected differences in species composition that were sufficient to highlight seasonal changes and to discriminate between epiphytes. Diversity was generally higher in Polysiphonia ass emblages and this was attributed to the greater habitat complexity pro vided by this particular species.