Distribución, abundancia y estructura de las comunidades de algas que crecen sobre Pyura praepucialis Heller, 1878 en Caleta Coloso (Antofagasta)

Abstract

The vertical distribution pattern, abundance and structure of algal communities which live on Pyura praepucialis Heller, 1878 in the intertidal rocky shore of Caleta Coloso (Antofagasta) were quantitatively characterized in two habitat under different wave exposure. The most exposed habitat (Sector 2) revealed a higher vegetable cover; a higher biomass per unit of area and a greater diversity than the sheltered one. In exposed habitat (Sector 2) were found three groups of species: Gelidium-Centroceras; Centroceras-Polysiphona-Coeloseira and Centroceras~Ulva. In the least sheltered habitat (Sector 1) were found four groups of species: Glossophora-Lithothamnium; Chaetomorpha- Centroceras; Chaetomorpha-Ulva and Ulva-Chaetomorpha.