Bivalve distribution on coral carpets in the Northern Bay of Safaga (Red Sea, Egypt) and its relation to environmental parameters

Autor(en)

Martin Zuschin, Werner E. Piller

Abstrakt

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(en)

Institut für Paläontologie

Externe Organisation(en)

Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz

Journal

Facies

Band

37

Seiten

183-194

Anzahl der Seiten

12

ISSN

0172-9179

Publikationsdatum

12-1997

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ÖFOS 2012

105118 Paläontologie, 106021 Meeresbiologie

Schlagwörter

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Geology, Stratigraphy, Palaeontology

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 14 – Leben unter Wasser

Link zum Portal

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/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