Subtidal Galeolaria hystrix (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) reefs in Paterson Inlet,Stewart Island,New Zealand |
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Authors: | Abigail M Smith Catherine R McGourty Louise Kregting Andrew Elliot |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Marine Science , University of Otago , P.O. Box 56, Dunedin , New Zealand E-mail: abby.smith@stonebow.otago.ac.nz;2. Department of Marine Science , University of Otago , P.O. Box 56, Dunedin , New Zealand |
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Abstract: | Serpulid patch reefs of Galeolaria hystrix Mörch, 1863 were found in water depths of 9–16 m in Big Glory Bay, Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, and here we report preliminary studies of these important habitat‐formers. This is the first observation of this species in subtidal patch reefs; 114 reefs were noted in a survey of 28 000 m2. Most reefs were 1–5 m in diameter, and up to 1.5 m high. Up to 65% of the serpulid tubes were occupied by living G. hystrix during a mid‐winter diving survey; 64% of reefs observed were whole, whereas 36% were broken or dead. Radiometric dating of a basal specimen of reef carbonate showed it to be less than 50 years old. Production of high‐Mg calcite, ranging from 9 to 11 wt% MgCO3, by G. hystrix may be as much as 11 kg CaCO3 m‐2y‐1, but was not reflected in surrounding sediments, which were dominantly terrigenous muds. A rich reef fauna, both sessile and motile, was associated with the reefs. Further study of these unusual temperate reefs is strongly recommended. |
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Keywords: | Galeolaria hystrix Paterson Inlet Polychaeta Serpulidae temperate reefs |
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