title: A baseline study of benthic community associated with Amphioxus Sand in subtropical Hong Kong.
abstract: An annual investigation on the seasonal changes of benthic community structure associated with Amphioxus Sand was conducted at two sites in the eastern waters of subtropical Hong Kong, where three species of amphioxus, Branchiostoma belcheri, B. japonicum and B. malayanum coexist. A total of 84 species and 4169 individuals were recorded at Tai Long Wan, whereas a total of 87 species and 3915 individuals were recorded at Pak Lap Wan. Benthic polychaetes were dominant, including high abundance of Onuphis eremita and Prionospio malmgreni. Results of cluster analysis showed significant community structures between the two areas because of difference in sediment granulometry. However, temporal changes within these Amphioxus Sand communities were minimal. In general, the Amphioxus Sand communities in Hong Kong showed higher species richness of Polychaeta as compared with similar studies elsewhere, possibly implying an increased level of organic pollution in Hong Kong waters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Chemistry and State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: P K S
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Shin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D006723:Hong Kong; D011077:Polychaeta / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide