Bathyal polychaete assemblages in the region of the Subtropical Front, Chatham Rise, New Zealand

Abstract

Polychaetes were collected from eight sites across the Chatham Rise (New Zealand) in the region of the Subtropical Front from water depths of c. 2300 m to 350 m. A total of 169 putative species representing 36 families was identified. Spionidae, Paraonidae, Cirratulidae, Syllidae, and Orbiniidae accounted for 50% of all polychaete individuals. Multivariate analysis revealed that three sites at c. 350-453 m water depth on muddy sand (6-7% clay) shared similar faunal and environmental characteristics. Numerical dominants included Lumbrineris sp., Pseudeurythoe minuta, Dipolydora cf. socialis, Aglaophamus verrilli, Prionospio ?ehlersi, Syllinae sp., Monticellina sp., and Cossura sp. Replicates from a single site at c. 750 m depth on the southern flank of the Rise produced a distinct assemblage dominated by Paradoneis, Naineris, Notomastus, Harmothoinae, Prionospio ?ehlersi, Levinsenia, Aricidea, Kebuita, Paraonella, and ?Leiochrus species. Replicates from greater depths north and south of the Rise presented a greater range of assemblage characteristics and environmental parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, median grain size, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and total organic matter content. Twenty-eight taxa were found exclusively below 750 m depths including species of Ampharetinae, Chloeia, Pseudeurythoe, Capitellidae, and Cirratulidae. There was a significant difference in faunal composition between northern and southern flanks of the Rise within depth classes and also between sites at the same depth classes. Faunal density and species diversity appeared highest from the crest to 750 m depth on the southern side. Low species diversity at the deepest sites may be confounded by reduced density. © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2009.