AMPHIPODS OF SHALLOW-WATER SAND COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN IRISH SEA

Analysis of grab samples from the shallow-water sand community (0-6 m) in the northern Irish Sea has shown that there is an increase in the diversity and in the abundance of amphipod species westwards. The most frequently occurring and the over-all dominant species is Bathyporeia elegans. Six indicator species (Ampelisca brevicornis, Bathyporeia guilliamsoniana, B. elegans, B. nana, Perioculodes longimanus and Pontocrates arenarius) with a high degree of association are present in varying proportions throughout the community. The geographical distribution of amphipod species is determined by the interaction of physical factors such as temperature, bottom sediment and pollution. © 1969, University College London. All rights reserved.