SubtidalGaleolaria hystrix(Polychaeta: Serpulidae) reefs in Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Abstract

Serpulid patch reefs of Galeolaria hystrix Morch, 1863 were found in water depths of 9-16 m in Big Glory Bay, Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, and here we report preliminary studies of these important habitat-formers. This is the first observation of this species in subtidal patch reefs; 114 reefs were noted in a survey of 28 000 m 2 . Most reefs were 1-5 m in diameter, and up to 1.5 m high. Up to 65% of the serpulid tubes were occupied by living G. hystrix during a mid-winter diving survey; 64% of reefs observed were whole, whereas 36% were broken or dead. Radiometric dating of a basal specimen of reef carbonate showed it to be less than 50 years old. Production of high-Mg calcite, ranging from 9 to 11 wt% MgCO 3 , by G. hystrix may be as much as 11 kg CaCO 3 m -2 y -1 , but was not reflected in surrounding sediments, which were dominantly terrigenous muds. A rich reef fauna, both sessile and motile, was associated with the reefs. Further study of these unusual temperate reefs is strongly recommended.

Survivorship and tube growth of reef‐building Serpula vermicularis (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) in two Scottish sea lochs

“…Rapid summer growth followed by a winter slow-down appears to be the normal pattern for serpulids in northern temperate waters (Kupriyanova et al, 2001). Tube extension rates of 38-75 mm yr À1 were estimated for reef-building Galeolaria hystrix Mo¨rch in southern New Zealand (Smith et al, 2005). This value is comparable with our Loch Creran results and suggests that similar growth rates are attained by coastal reef-building serpulids in the temperate zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.…”

“…The collective suspension-feeding of serpulid aggregations can significantly enhance local water quality by removal of suspended particles (Davies et al, 1989). Carbonate deposition in the tubes may also represent a significant energy sink in the habitats supporting serpulid aggregations (Dixon, 1980;Smith et al, 2005). These pervasive effects mean that gregarious serpulids can be regarded as 'ecosystem engineers' sensu Jones et al (1994).…”

“…Serpulid aggregations can play a significant role in the ecology of the shallow, coastal habitats where they typically occur. Frameworks of densely interwined calcareous tubes modify the physical environment by baffling water flow and trapping sediment (Schwindt et al, 2004), and also serve to increase local habitat complexity and biodiversity (Bianchi and Morri, 1996;Smith et al, 2005). The collective suspension-feeding of serpulid aggregations can significantly enhance local water quality by removal of suspended particles (Davies et al, 1989).…”

Mapping serpulid worm reefs (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) for conservation management

“…Other known locations of S. vermicularis reefs include Ardbear Lough (Bosence, 1973) and Killary Harbour (Minchin, 1987) in Ireland and Mar Piccolo di Taranto, Italy (Mastrangelo and Passeri, 1975). Similar sublittoral reefs are formed by other serpulid species, such as S. narconensis Baird in the Antarctic (Pickard et al, 1986;Kirkwood and Burton, 1988;Ramosa and San Martin, 1999) and Galeolaria hystrix Mo¨rch in New Zealand (Smith et al, 2005).…”

Reef formation versus solitariness in two New Zealand serpulids does not involve cryptic species

“…G. hystrix occurs in intertidal to subtidal waters (0 to 10 m) as solitary individuals (some on rocks and others in sand), and also in deeper waters (10 to 20 m) of Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, in aggregated patch reefs (Smith et al 2005). S. cariniferus occurs as individuals or in patchy or beltlike aggregations in the lower intertidal zone of New Zealand north of about 45°S latitude (Morton & Miller 1973, as Pomatoceros caeruleus).…”