Interstitial gastrotrichs in some South Florida beaches

Abstract

Abstract The interstitial fauna of gastrotrichs in calcareous and silicious sands of some beaches in southern Florida is described. 18 species are described of which 6 are new to science. Most species were found to eat diatoms. The fauna of gastrotrichs was found to be richer in coarser sands; in fine sands and especially in sulphide containing sands only few species are present. Finally the assumption that the interstitial fauna is cosmopolitic is discussed.