In the spring and autumn of 2020, we collected macrobenthos from 46 sampling sites in the intertidal flats of the Liaohe Estuary to analyze the characteristics and distribution of macrobenthic functional feeding groups. We identified 46 species which were classified mainly as mollusks, polychaetes, and crustaceans. The carnivorous group contained the largest number of species and mainly included polychaetes, while the planktophagous group was dominant in terms of abundance and biomass and mainly included mollusks. In spring, abundance and biomass levels of all macrobenthic functional feeding groups (except the carnivorous group) were higher when compared with the autumn period. We also observed no significant differences in abundance and biomass levels between sections for all macrobenthic functional feeding groups. However, the planktophagous group abundance and biomass levels were dominant in sections B and C. Two-factor analysis of variance indicated insignificant differences in species number, abundance, and biomass levels in different functional feeding groups between spring and autumn periods. These results help us better understand macrobenthic functional feeding group characteristics in intertidal flats in estuarine areas and may facilitate improved biodiversity management programs with a view to restoring marine fishery resources
