First observation of Pteroeides spinosum (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) fields in a Sicilian coastal zone (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Porporato, E.M.D.; Mangano, M.C.; De Domenico, F.; Giacobbe, S.; Spanò, N. (2014). First observation of Pteroeides spinosum (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) fields in a Sicilian coastal zone (Central Mediterranean Sea). Mar. Biodiv. 44(4): 589-592. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12526-014-0212-9
In: Marine Biodiversity. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 1867-1616; e-ISSN 1867-1624, more
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| Keywords |
Aquatic organisms > Heterotrophic organisms > Filter feeders
Remotely operated vehicles
Pennatulacea [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
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| Authors | | Top |
- Porporato, E.M.D.
- Mangano, M.C.
- De Domenico, F.
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| Abstract |
The presence of extensive pennatulacean fields was highlighted in the southern part of the Strait of Messina, Central Mediterranean Sea, during a survey carried out by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Pennatulaceans belonging to Pteroeides spinosum were observed from 30 to 160 m. The sea pens reached densities of =10 specimens m-2. Their main arrangement patterns are described and their dependence on the interaction between terrigenous organic input and sea-bottom currents is discussed in the light of the ecological importance of sea pen fields. |
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