Analysis of functional feeding groups of macroinvertebrates communities in the macroalgae beds of Gouqi Island,Zhejiang Province

Analysis of functional feeding groups is increasingly used to monitor the change in benthic macroinvertebrates community of marine ecosystems compared to traditional biodiversity analysis(Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou index).The present study examined species composition, abundance and spatial distribution of the functional feeding groups of macroinvertebrates in the seaweed beds of Gouqi Island in the summer of 2012.The results showed that carnivores and filter feeders dominated the macroinvertebrate communities in the macroalgae beds.The dominant species of carnivores were Mitrella burchardi, Paguridae sp., Siphopatella walshi, Cantharus cecillei and Pugettia quadridens.Septifer virgatus, Modiolus comptus, Lithophaga curta and Arca boucardi were the dominant species of filtering feeders.The dominant species of herbivores were Gammaridea sp., Calliostoma unicum and Chlorostoma rustica.The vertical distribution of the functional feeding groups were correlated with water depth and prey food.It was concluded that the ecological status of benthic community was at good level, but the benthic community was slightly disturbed.