POLYCHAETE FAUNA OF THE SOFT-BOTTOMS OF AN INLET IN THE NORTH-WEST OF SPAIN
Moreira da Rocha, J.; Troncoso, N. & Troncoso, J. S.
Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal. Facultade de Ciencias Universidade de Vigo, E - 36200, Vigo, Spain
The inlet of Baiona is situated in the North-West of Spain, with most of its soft-bottoms being dominated by fine and medium sands, with coarse sands in the mouth of the inlet and muds in the harbor area. During December 1995, a study of the benthic communities was carried out. Quantitative samples were taken with a Van-Veen grab at 21 stations. We found 97 species of polychaetes, belonging to 83 genera and 37 families, represented by 14,487 individuals. In coarse sands, carnivorous species are common such as Glycera lapidum and syllids, while in muddy bottoms with high levels of organic matter deposit-feeders (spionids, cirratulids, capitellids) are dominant. In fine sands, there is a greater diversity of trophic habits, but the density of polychaetes is less than in the other areas. Taxonomic remarks about some interesting species are given.