Characterization of the benthic macrofauna encrusted in consolidated substrates of Mosqueiro Beach, Aracaju city, Sergipe state, Brazil

Abstract

Mosqueiro Beach is located at the mouth of the Vasa-Barris River, on the coast of Sergipe state, Brazil.
This sandy beach currently has several artificial rocks, which were deposited aiming to contain the advance of the sea. Despite
the efforts in placing the rocks, the sea has advanced and destroyed this protection, leaving only groups of rocks scattered on
the sand. At high tide, most of these rocks are submerged and serve as substrate for several species. We aimed to identify the
benthic macrofauna encrusted in this rocky substrate. Representatives of phyla Cnidaria, Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda
were identified, in addition to the first report of a Pycnogonida for Sergipe state. Abiotic and biotic factors play an important
role in the establishment and distribution of these organisms in the studied environment.