Species diversity and distribution within the deep-sea nematode genus Acantholaimus on the continental shelf and slope in Antarctica

• Published in: Polar Biology
• Main Authors: De Mesel, I.G., Lee, H.J., Vanhove, S., Vincx, M., Vanreusel, A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2006
• Subjects: Continental shelves; Continental slope; Distribution; Species diversity; Acantholaimus; PS; Antarctica; Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; Bransfield Strait; Drake Passage; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Vestkapp; Weddell; Weddell Sea; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://www.vliz.be/nl/open-marien-archief?module=ref&refid=108020

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.