Abstract
The present study characterized the macrobenthic fauna found on a muddy-sandy tidal flat of the Amazon coast in areas with and without the presence of Diopatra cuprea (Bosc, 1802) (Onuphidae: Annelida) tubes. In addition, a brief review of records of D. cuprea on the Brazilian Amazon coast is presented. Samples were collected in February 2014 in two different areas: (1) an area in which D. cuprea tubes were present, and (2) a control area, in which worm tubes were absent. A total of 21 taxa were found, of which 10 were associated exclusively with D. cuprea tubes. Although richness did not vary significantly among areas, there were changes in the abundance and composition of species and trophic guilds. In the area with tubes, there was a higher abundance of filter-feeders and the presence of species adapted to consolidated and muddy substrates. Our results and those of other studies indicate that D. cuprea commonly presents low density in the Amazon coastal, and its tubes are typically scattered widely in the intertidal zone. The present findings add knowledge about the presence of the bioconstructor in coastal areas and reinforce the role of tube-building polychaetes as ecosystem engineers.
Highlights
Numerous marine habitat-formers build external physical structures such as shells or tubes that can provide space and shelter from predators (Giangrande et al, 2020)
The polychaete tubes can be made from several different materials and are known to influence near-bed hydrodynamics (Jumars & Nowell, 1984), stabilizing the sediments (Bolam & Fernandes, 2003)
The region is dominated by semidiurnal macrotides and the amplitude may reach more than 5 m (Souza-Filho et al, 2009)
Summary
Numerous marine habitat-formers build external physical structures such as shells or tubes that can provide space and shelter from predators (Giangrande et al, 2020). The polychaete tubes can be made from several different materials (e.g., mud, sand, shell, sandstone) and are known to influence near-bed hydrodynamics (Jumars & Nowell, 1984), stabilizing the sediments (Bolam & Fernandes, 2003) These tubes play an especially important ecological role by providing structures that increase the physical complexity and biodiversity of habitats (Dauer et al, 1982; Bailey-Brock, 1984; Dubois et al, 2002; Thomsen et al, 2011). For these reasons, several tube-building polychaetes are designated as ecosystem engineers: organisms capable of modifying the environment by mechanically transforming materials from one.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
