POPULATION DENSITY OF PHRAGMATOPOMA CAUDATA REEFS ON THE ROCKY SHORES OF SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Phragmatopoma caudata are polychaetes that construct artificial biogenic reefs using sand grains bound together by an adhesive substance secreted from their saliva. In different locations along the Baixada Santista region, specifically in the cities of Santos and São Vicente, samples of P. caudata beds were collected to estimate population density. A total of four sampling efforts were conducted across four distinct sites. All samples were standardized to a volume of 10 cm³. Following collection, the material was conditioned and transported to the laboratory for analysis. The highest abundance of P. caudata was recorded at the Emissário Quebra Mar site, whereas the lowest abundance was observed at Praia dos Milionários