Coral Associations, Biocorrosion, and Space Competition in Pedum spondyloideum (Gmelin) (Pectinacea, Bivalvia)

Abstract

Abstract. In the northern Red Sea several genera of sclcractinian corals arc used as hosts by Pedum spondyloideum. High population densities lead to space competition. The bivalves use chemical means to interact with each other and with their host corals. Due to dorsal attachment and predominantly ventral growth ‐ to keep pace with coral growth ‐ biocorrosion is less obvious, than in Lilhophuga.

The Pectinid Bivalve Pedum spondy­loideum (Gmelin 1791): Amount of Surface and Volume Occupied in Host Corals From the Red Sea

“…The present paper adds new records to the range of host corals in the northern Red Sea (Kleemann, 1990), notes the density of Pedum in various coral taxa in relation to localities and depth, quantifies the bivalve‐occupied coral surface, estimates the volume of their dwellings, and discusses the ecological implications and fossilisation potential.…”

“…The nestling and facultatively boring pectinid bivalve Pedum spondyloideum (Gmelin 1791), associated with scleractinian hosts, lives embedded in the coral skeleton; it is usually completely surrounded by live tissue on the coral surface, but not inside the dwelling (DeVantier & Endean, 1988; Kleemann, 1990;Savazzi, 1999). Probably the first record and illustration of such an association was provided by Quoy & Gaimard (1835).…”

“…Although they already considered Pedum to have a boring habit, several later authors argued that it was merely a nestler, byssally attached and embedded by coral growth (Kühnelt, 1942; Yonge, 1967; Waller, 1972; Savazzi, 1999). Initially reported inhabiting “Astrées” (Quoy & Gaimard, 1835), Pedum has been recorded from Porites ( e.g., Yonge, 1967; Waller, 1972; Nielsen, 1986; Dijkstra, 1997; Savazzi, 1999), Favia (Waller, 1972; Kleemann, 1990), Goniastrea (DeVantier & Endean, 1988; Kleemann, 1990) and Porites ( Synaraea ) (Kleemann, 1995).…”

“…Investigated areas within Egyptian waters were near the ports of Hurghada and Safaga (Fig. 1; Kleemann, 1990: figs 1 – 2), but also at Zabargad Island, close to Sudan. Using SCUBA equipment to 54 m depth, the distribution and population density of Pedum was estimated from notes in the field and from in situ photo documentation.…”

Bivalve Assemblages on Living Coral Species in the Northern Red Sea, Egypt

“…Wide range of taxa and different life habits are closely linked to such substrata (Kleemann 1990, Kleemann 1992, Schuhmacher 1993. Kleemann (1992) illustrated that there is a relationship between bivalves' distribution and many types of hard coral substrata in the Northern Bay of Safaga (Red Sea), including reef flats, reef slopes, coral carpets, coral patches, and rock bottoms.…”