Zonation of intertidal epifauna on jetty piles in Moreton Bay, Queensland

Abstract

Zonation of intertidal macrofauna on hard substrates has never been described for Australian sheltered shores as in Moreton Bay. Zonation was studied on jetty piles, which form a suitable habitat for intertidal organisms. The observed zonation patterns and species composition were profoundly different from those of southern Queensland exposed shores. It is postulated that these differences are related to differences in intensity of wave action and considerable variations in salinity and temperature regimes.