Short-Lived Aggregations of Filograna/Salmacina Tube Worms in the Gulf of Oman

Kaveh Samimi-Namin*, Harry A. ten Hove, Michel R. Claereboudt, Gustav Paulay, Bert W. Hoeksema

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Dense aggregations of serpulid worms were encountered in the Daymaniyat Islands (Gulf of Oman) from 10 to 20 m depth, over the period January–March, 2021. The species responsible for these aggregations belongs to the Filograna/Salmacina-complex (Annelida: Serpulidae). This species has been present in the area and observed along the Oman coastline, but high-density aggregates like this have not been reported before. The most probable cause of the aggregations, supported by field observations and Aqua-MODIS satellite data, was natural eutrophication with a subsequent algal bloom linked to the local winter monsoon. This observation emphasises the importance of documenting biodiversity and dynamics of reef communities along the Oman coastline.

Original languageEnglish
Article number902
JournalDiversity
Volume14
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

Keywords

  • Daymaniyat Islands
  • Serpulidae
  • algal blooms
  • bioindicator
  • coral reefs
  • eutrophication
  • infestation
  • monsoon
  • outbreak

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology
  • Ecological Modelling
  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

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