Bivalve distribution on coral carpets in the Northern Bay of Safaga (Red Sea, Egypt) and its relation to environmental parameters
- Author(s)
- Martin Zuschin, Werner E. Piller
- Abstract
Bivalve assemblages on coral carpets in the Northern Bay of Safaga do not form distinct associations, but gradually shift in faunal composition. The taxonomic shift is accompanied by continuous variations in bivalve density and percentage of living individuals as well as by a change of coral associations and potential bivalve habitats. The gradual lateral change of associations is best documented by Tridacna maxima and jewel box clams (Chamoidea) and is probably due to variations of the suspension load in the water column. High suspension loads in the water column are additionally indicated by 'giant oysters' (extremely large individuals of Hyotissa hyotis) and striking agglomerates of Lopha cristagalli. The vertical differentiation is best documented by the decrease of the zooxanthellate Tridacna maxima and is probably due to the depth-dependent light penetration in the water column, which is attenuated in areas of high suspension load.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Palaeontology
- External organisation(s)
- Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz
- Journal
- Facies
- Volume
- 37
- Pages
- 183-194
- No. of pages
- 12
- ISSN
- 0172-9179
- Publication date
- 12-1997
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 105118 Palaeontology, 106021 Marine biology
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geology, Stratigraphy, Palaeontology
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 14 - Life Below Water
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/bivalve-distribution-on-coral-carpets-in-the-northern-bay-of-safaga-red-sea-egypt-and-its-relation-to-environmental-parameters(a3a39fa2-4d1e-492f-abd9-0fffb2b756a9).html