The term “meiofauna” was coined by marine biologist Molly Mare in 1942 and refers to the collection of living organisms that inhabit the interstices and pores of marine substrates, such as sand, rocks, and organic debris (sediments called meiobenthos) present in a reef aquarium. <\/p>\n\n
These organisms are small, generally less than 1 mm, and include worms, crustaceans, protozoa, and other microorganisms.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Copepod](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Cope\u0301pode-avec-oeufs.jpg\")
<\/figure>Meiofauna primarily consists of small, unsegmented roundworms called nematodes and small crustaceans: benthic copepods<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo: Harpacticoid<\/span> Copepod under microscope<\/em> with eggs<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n Meiofauna feeds on organic particles and bacteria present in the substrate, thus contributing to water purification and the regulation of nutrient levels. <\/p>\n\n Meiofauna serves as a food source for many aquarium inhabitants, such as corals, fish, and invertebrates. Some fish and invertebrates also forage in the substrate to feed on meiofauna organisms. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n The presence of healthy and diverse meiofauna is therefore important for maintaining biological balance in a reef aquarium. <\/p>\n\n Meiofauna plays a crucial role in the reef aquarium ecosystem due to its importance in ecological and biological processes. <\/p>\n\n\n
The Role of Meiofauna in the Reef Aquarium Ecosystem <\/h2>\n\n