Bryozoan diversity on a whale bone: an uncommon substrate from the continental shelf off NW Spain.

ABSTRACT: Carcasses and bones of whales are interesting yet poorly understood habitats for invertebrates and microbial communities. Nevertheless, bryozoans have never before been reported in this particular habitat at the present day. Here, we present the first study on a bryozoan community colonizing a whale bone from the continental shelf off NW Spain at 128 m depth. Thirty-three species of bryozoans were identified, representing 50% of the known bryozoan diversity from this area and depth range. Despite this high biodiversity, no potential whale-fall specialists were detected: all the species are already known in the area, with several being more frequent in shallower or deeper waters. Our results support the hypothesis that the number of specialist taxa on whale-fall habitats decreases drastical

SUBMITTER: Souto J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8550466 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature