The macro- and microfauna associated withFucus serratusL., with some ecological remarks

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Abstract
The metazoans on Fucus serratus L. and its epiphytes were studied quantitatively at a locality in the northern Øresund. A total of 164 species was found and the different systematic units treated faunistically and ecologically. The ecological conditions for algalliving animals are discussed, with special reference to the fauna living on Fucus serratus. It is shown that the number of metazoans per square metre algal surface compares with that found in a level-bottom community. The structure of the fauna indicates that a »Fucus serratus community« exists. The fluctuations in number of animals were recorded for one year, with the largest number occurring in late summer: 25.000 non-sessile animals on a single plant. Most species reproduced in the summer, which explains the great density occurring at this time. Lowest densities were found in winter and spring. The decrease in number was mainly due to predation. The feeding biology of the fauna is discussed. It is shown that the main part of the nonsessile fauna feeds on diatoms, whereas the sessile fauna feeds on suspended matter. It is suggested that fishes represent the most important predators feeding on the Fucus fauna.