Distribución de los foraminíferos bentónicos en climas semiáridos: las lagunas de Nador (Marruecos) y El Meleh (Túnez)

Abstract

This paper effectuates a preliminary analysis of the foraminiferal distribution in two coastal lagoons of northern Africa: Nador (Morocco) and El Meleh (Tunisia). In Nador lagoon, the highest richness of species was found in the inner margin of the lagoon, with frequent specimens of Ammonia and Quinqueloculina. A single species (Nonion depressulum Walker & Jacob) was collected near an old iron mine, whereas low densities and diversities were observed near the artificial mouth. In El Meleh lagoon, high number of both individuals and species characterize the marine connection. In the remaining zones, these microorganisms are very scarce (mainly Ammonia spp.), especially near the treatment station of the Slimene town