Article: Ampelisca amphipod tube mats may enhance abundance of northern quahogs Mercenaria mercenaria in muddy sediments.

ABSTRACT Field surveys in southeastern Raritan Bay and laboratory studies from 1999 to 2005 were conducted to compare the characteristics of mud and sand habitats in relation to the abundance of the northern quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria). In 2000, the population density of quahogs was about 15 times higher in the mud habitat than in the sand habitat. In addition, the mud habitat also had a dense population of the amphipod Ampelisca abdita (about 24,000 [m.sup.-2]) associated with it. This species produces mats of tubes over the bottom. The sediment surface of the mud was comprised mostly of fecal pellets, the majority of which was produced by A. abdita. In contrast, the ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!