Bioturbation by <i>praxillella pacifica</i> (Polchaeta:Maldanidae) and its effect on <i>Chone</i> sp.(Polycheta:Sabellidae) in tomioka Bay, Amakusa,Japan

Abstract

Quantitative estimation of bioturbation by burrrowing deposit feeding species <i>P.pacifica</i> is carried out in laboratory.he mean value of sediment reworking rate varies from 164.5 to 636.51 mg wet animal^‑1.d^-1. The sediment turn over is dependant on body width and time variable. Bioturbation is largely controlled by population density, ambient temperature and sediment characterstics. Annual turnover of sediments is estimated to be 84.3 kg. Wet m^-2 . This lagrge amount of sediments turnover has potential importance in the transfer of nutrients from the sediments to the wter column. Protien values of sediments, grain size ,water content and feeding habit of dominant species are related to sediment turnover. Adult-adult interaction experiment between <i>P.pacifica</i> and filter feeder <i>Chone sp.</i> shows co-existence of these species, largely due to diversified feeding habit and habitat.