Species diversity and distribution within the deep-sea nematode genus Acantholaimus on the continental shelf and slope in Antarctica
De Mesel, I.G.; Hee Joong Lee; Vanhove, S.; Vincx, M.; Vanreusel, A. (2006). Species diversity and distribution within the deep-sea nematode genus Acantholaimus on the continental shelf and slope in Antarctica. Polar Biol. 29(10): 860-871. dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00300-006-0124-7 In: Polar Biology. Springer-Verlag: Berlin; Heidelberg. ISSN 0722-4060; e-ISSN 1432-2056, more |  |
| Keywords | Distribution
Species diversity
Topographic features > Submarine features > Continental shelves
Topographic features > Submarine features > Continental slope
Acantholaimus Allgén, 1933 [WoRMS]
PS, Antarctica [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - De Mesel, I.G., more
- Lee, H.J.
- Vanhove, S., more
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| Abstract | Species diversity and distribution -in relation with biogeography, bathymetry and environmental characteristics- within the genus Acantholaimus were investigated on the shelf and slope (182-2,009 m) in the Weddell Sea (Kapp Norvegia and Vestkapp) and near the Antarctic Peninsula (Drake Passage and Bransfield Strait). The occurrence of the otherwise typical deep-sea genus Acantholaimus in high densities and diversity on the continental shelf is a unique feature of the Southern Ocean. Fifty-five Acantholaimus species (morpho-types) were distinguished in our study area, of which 39 were found on the shelf. The Acantholaimus communities were characterised by a high number of congeneric species and the presence of many rare species, similar to typical deep-sea communities. Fourteen species had a distribution extending from the shelf to the lower slope. High local and regional diversity was obvious and a considerable level of endemism was suggested. A negative impact of chlorophyll a concentrations, reflecting the availability of phytoplankton, was found on the Acantholaimus densities and species diversity. |
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