Macrofauna and meiofauna of two sandy beaches at Mombassa, Kenya

Abstract

Macrofauna and meiofauna of 2 sandy beaches having medium and fine sand particles, respectively, were investigated, quantitatively. Macrofauna density was highest around high water mark and progressively decreased towards low water mark. Meiofauna density was maximum around high water mark at the English point, a more sheltered beach. On the more exposed Nyali Beach the meiofauna was aggregated downshore and highest numbers were recorded between mid and low water mark. On both the beaches the meiofauna was dominated by nematodes followed by harpacticoids.