Epibiotic Communities of the Senatorial Scallop Mimachlamys sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: Pectinidae) from the Expansion Channel of the Suez Canal, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

          This study reported the composition of the macrobenthic assemblage living on the shell of the pectinid scallop Mimachlamys sanguinea inhabiting the Suez Canal Expansion Channel. Nine epibiont groups were observed encrusting the valves of the scallop primarily serpulids, barnacles and tunicates (20.9, 15.5, and 14.8%, respectively). The upper valve was significantly more fouled than the lower one. A positive correlation was observed between the percent cover of fouling material and the shell size, with maximum percent cover and size occurring during the spring. The relationship between the scallop and its fouling organisms was discussed. The importance of M. sanguinea shells as a natural substratum for various epibiotic groups was highlighted in this study.

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Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Volume 28, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
January and February 2024
Pages 323-337

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