Red sea Serpulids (Polychaeta) in the Eastern Mediterranean

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1991
Authors:Ben Eliahu, M. N.
Journal:Ophelia. International Journal of Marine Biology
Volume:5
Pagination:515-528
Date Published:February 1991
Keywords:kape Polychaeta Serpulidae Lessepsian migration Red Sea Suez Canal eastern Mediterranean Israel Lebanon Cyprus.
Abstract:

The paper consider the importance of Lessepsian migration in the Levant serpulid fauna of Sinai, Israel, and Lebanon today, and explores whether there are common characteristics regarding their ecology (substrate and depth preference). A new Lessepsian migrant, Hydroides homocera, illustrates the founder principle. The serpulid species of the eastern Levant coast and of Cyprus between 0 -180m are listed. By comparing faunas, a possible effect of Lessepsian migrants on the indigenous biota is discerned. An attempt is made to predict which Red Sea species are at present candidates for carrying out Lessepsian migration. Finally, an unresolved taxonomic dilemma is presented.

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