Cryptofaunal diversity in fringing reef rhodoliths

Abstract Rhodolith distribution, morphology, and cryptofauna have been minimally studied on fringing reefs. We present the first study to examine both rhodolith distribution associated in a tropical reef, located along microtidal, wave-dominated north shore of Moorea, French Polynesia. find higher abundances larger, rounder, more branching rhodoliths locations where longer waves impact reef. Among 1879 animals extracted identified from 145 rhodoliths, ophiuroids, polychaetes, decapod crustaceans, gastropods are most abundant, with wide range additional taxa contributing diversity. Large contain greatest number diversity cryptofaunal organisms preferred habitat rigid-bodied, non-burrowing forms. Overall, exposure entering lagoon through passes appears be critical determinant abundance, morphotype, turn composition reef habitats.