Deep Aggregations of the Polychaete Amage adspersa (Grube, 1863) in the Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea) as Revealed via ROV Observations

Many sessile and tube-dwelling polychaetes can act as ecosystem engineers, influencing the physical–chemical biological characteristics of their habitats, increasing structural complexity. Thus, they are considered structuring species. In summer 2021, in southern Sicily (Ionian Sea), benthic assemblages dominated by Ampharetidae Amage adspersa were discovered via an ROV survey at a depth range between 166 236 m on muddy horizontal seafloor. Large aggregations this species (up to 297.2 tubes m−2), whose formed from Posidonia oceanica debris, occurred alternately with tube-free areas. The area was characterized sporadic presence vulnerable sea pens Funiculina quadrangularis 0.08 col. m−2) Virgularia mirabilis 0.16 it possible detect signs trawling well marine litter 24.0 items 100 m−2). habitat description, distribution, density A. assessed imaging analysis. addition, morphological diagnostic analyses carried out some sampled specimens tubes. acquired data shed new light how exploit dead tissues P. oceanica, contributing highlight interactions fauna seagrass detritus environment ecological role enhancing spatial heterogeneity soft areas Mediterranean