Document

Short-lived aggregations of filograna/salmacina tube worms in the Gulf of Oman.

Identifier
DOI: 10.3390/d14110902
Source
Diversity. v. 14, 11, 902
Country
Switzerland
City
Basel
Publisher
MDPI.
Gregorian
2022-11-01
Language
English
English abstract
Dense aggregations of serpulid worms were encountered in the Daymaniyat Islands (Gulf of Oman) from 10 to 20 m depth, over the period January–March, 2021. The species responsible for these aggregations belongs to the Filograna/Salmacina-complex (Annelida: Serpulidae). This species has been present in the area and observed along the Oman coastline, but high-density aggregates like this have not been reported before. The most probable cause of the aggregations, supported by field observations and Aqua-MODIS satellite data, was natural eutrophication with a subsequent algal bloom linked to the local winter monsoon. This observation emphasises the importance of documenting biodiversity and dynamics of reef communities along the Oman coastline.
ISSN
1424-2818
Category
Journal articles