New observations of alien foraminifera on the Turkish coasts of the Aegean Sea (2012-2015)

Year 2016, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 44 - 47, 07.03.2016

Engin Meriç M. Baki Yokeş Niyazi Avşar Feyza Dinçer

https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.304425

Cited By: 4

Abstract

During the benthic foraminiferal surveys conducted on the Aegean coasts of Turkey between 2012-2015, new
alien species have been observed. These were either recent introductions, such as Cornuspiroides striolatus
(Brady), Nodobaculariella cristobalensis McCulloch, N. galapagosensis McCulloch, Pseudonodosaria discreta
(Reuss), Polymorphina fistulosa (Cushman) or south to north range expansions of the species previously known
to inhabit Levant Basin, Cyclorbiculina compressa (d’Orbigny). Besides, Amphistegina lobifera Larsen which
has been known to inhabit Kuşadası Bay and nothwestern coasts of Karaburun Peninsula has also been
abundantly observed around Doğanbey Bay.
Warm submarine springs are suggested to be the main cause of these thermophilic species to settle and form
stable populations on the Aegean cost of Turkey. On the other hand salinity variations may also help to the
spreading of these aliens. Thus, it is suggested that new introductions may follow in the near future. 

Keywords

Foraminifera, Turkish coasts, Diversity, Aegean Sea

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