Abstract
Benthos of a coastal lake in southern Brazil, Lake Emboaba, was collected in summer and winter 1989/90 to describe the community and its spatial distribution, and to identify potential seasonal differences in composition and abundance. A total of 19 randomly distributed sites were sampled (van-Veen grab, 4 replicates, 500μm) on two dates. Total mean densities of the heterogeneously distributed benthos were low with 921.3 ind./m 2 and 640.3 ind./m 2 in summer and winter, respectively. Neither density nor composition differed significantly between seasons. Insecta, mainly Chironomidae, were most abundant, followed by Crustacea, mainly Synelobus stanfordi (Tanaidae), and Oligochaeta. Cluster analyses, linked subsequently by a nodal analysis, revealed the presence of three benthic zones (centre, margin, marsh), distinguished by benthos density and composition, including differential species and species assemblages. This result is remarkable as the shallow lakes of Brazil's coastal plains are exposed to permanently blowing north-east winds.
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