Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Selective settlement of deep-sea canyon nematodes after resuspension - an experimental approach
Lins, L.; Vanreusel, A.; Van Campenhout, J.; Ingels, J. (2013). Selective settlement of deep-sea canyon nematodes after resuspension - an experimental approach. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 441: 110-116. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2013.01.021
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 0022-0981; e-ISSN 1879-1697, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keywords
    Nematoda [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Deep sea; Nematodes; Resuspension; Settlement

Authors  Top 

Abstract
    Dispersal processes are known to influence dynamics of marine benthic communities. It has been argued that as a result of nematodes being small in size and lacking pelagic larvae, it is unlikely that they are able to disperse actively over wide geographical ranges. Nematode dispersal is therefore assumed to be predominantly driven by water currents entraining resuspended sediments containing nematodes. Three different types of substrates combined with sediment (algae, bacteria, and sulphides) and two different controls (empty and azoic sediment) were offered to a nematode community sinking through the water column in three independent, simultaneously running replicated experiments. Selective settlement of nematodes was observed whilst descending in the water column under ex-situ experimental conditions using samples collected in the Whittard canyon at 812 m of water depth. Significant differences in nematode community structure between treatments suggest that different nematodes are attracted by different substrates. They may colonise suitable patches selectively when descending in the water column, but whether they are attracted by food or by other attractants, such as pheromones or other chemical signals, is still unclear. High abundances of the chemosynthetic, mouthless nematode Astomonema found in the canyon study area over medium-scale distances (10-100 m) contribute to the idea that resuspension events enable dispersal of nematodes over larger distances, after which active settlement can occur through chemical attraction.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors