An analysis of the community composition of the Xiphophora gladiata dominated subzone of the Tasmanian sublittoral fringe

Abstract

The rocky shore sublittoral fringe of the oceanic coasts of Tasmania contains a subzone dominated by the large brown alga Xiphophora gladiata. The community composition of this subzone is here examined at fourteen sites. The phytal and faunal assemblages are analysed by principal co-ordinate, classification and nodal analyses. This subzone is found to have a high species richness, including species which had been thought to occupy only higher or lower tidal levels. It is suggested that both plant and animal assemblages are strongly influenced by wave exposure, freshwater run-off and geography.