Distribution and ecology of the tube-dweller Ampelisca ledoyeri (Amphipoda: Ampeliscidae) associated with the hydrothermal field off Panarea Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean)

作者：Esposito Valentina^*; Giacobbe Salvatore; Cosentino Andrea; Minerva Caterina Stefania; Romeo Teresa; Canese Simonepietro; Andaloro Franco

来源：Marine Biodiversity, 2015, 45(4): 763-768.

DOI：10.1007/s12526-014-0285-5

• Ampelisca ledoyeri
• Shallow water hydrothermalism
• Tube fields
• Panarea Island
• Sicily

The distribution and ecology of the Ampelisca ledoyeri population at the hydrothermal field off Panarea Island, Aeolian Archipelago (NE Sicily), were investigated during four cruises in June and November 2010, and June 2011, 2013. Extensive patches of emerging tubes were observed during ROV dives and subsequently grab sampled. The tubes were inhabited by the amphipod A. ledoyeri and were located close to the hydrothermal structures, with average densities ranging from 14.5 to 108.9 tubes/m(2). A. ledoyeri dominated the benthic community in terms of abundance (44.4 %), monopolizing the thin layer of fine sediment covering a Fe-rich crustose substratum from 80 to 120 m depth. The evidenced bathymetric gradient, with decreasing numbers of individuals from 80-85 m (184 +/- 266.01 individuals) to 120 m (6.95 +/- 16.08 individuals), respectively, corresponded to Fe-rich sediments due to geothermal lower energy and higher energy hydrothermal crusts and chimneys. The gut contents of A. ledoyeri, consisting of a fine, rusty matter similar to the seep-surface deposits, suggested that such a deposit feeder might play a key role in the hydrothermal food web, both in terms of secondary production and "detrital" organic matter stored in the sediment as mucus tubes.

• 出版日期2015-12