Within the frame work, organized by the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria, Egypt. 15 quantitative samples collected by using Van Veen grab from the soft bottom, depth ranging from 12m to 106 m and distributed over two seasons (spring and summer, 2008) were collected during two trips to the Northeastern coast of the Egyptian Mediterranean waters, from El Tina Bay, Balteem, Abokhashaba and Gamasa. The analysis of samples resulted 108 Polychaete species belonging to 25 families and 61 genera. More than 50 species were considered new for Egyptian Mediterranean waters. Data were analyzed with univariate techniques (Diversity, Richness and Eveness or Equitabilty). Results showed that, species richness and abundance were lower in the deeper samples and higher in spring than in summer season. The feeding guild classification was examined. Also the relation between different depths and feeding guild were reported. A total of nine main feeding categories were identified. There were more significant associations between feeding guild and depth. Also the analysis revealed the dominance of surface deposit feeding with slightly fewer Omnivores and micro herbivores. This work, indicating that the polychaetes of the study area are quite diverse and poorly in number of individuals and great number of newly recorded species was reported. |
