Benthic studies were undertaken in two mangrove-lagoons on the south coast of Cuba. Both lagoons are approximately 30-50 cm deep and the tidal range is 15-20cm. There is little influx of fresh water, and the lagoons are normally euhaline. Most of the lagoon bottom is not colonized by plants, although filamentous algae (Cladophma and Enteromorphu spp.) and Thlassia testzddium grow in a few places. Meiobenthic organisms account for 92 0,b of the invertebrates in the benthic zone of the lagoon. The five most common taxn (Nematoda, Copepoda, Tanaidacea, Oligochaeta, Polychaeta) account for 88-94 0 ; of the total number of individuals in Tolete Lagoon and in Basto Lngoon the five most common taxa (Nematoda, Copepoda, Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Polychaeta) account for 97-98 (1 ,,. Biomasses were 26.8 g/m? in Tolete and 20.2 g/m2 in Basto Lagoon.The dominant taxon on the roots of Khimphora nlangle is Crustarea (Balanus eburneus, B. recurrus and Corophizon insidiosurn), accounting for over 60 (1 of the total number of individuals. They are fol loned by molluscs (Cmsaostren rhizophorn) and the polychaetes (Berpulids).

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