The epifauna on the carbonate reefs in the arctic Ikka Fjord, SW Greenland

Abstract

A total of 165 invertebrate species were found on the carbonate Ikka columns and on the rocks in the shallow Ikka Fjord, SW Greenland. The number of species increases with depth and also increases from 92 species nearest the open ocean to 111 species at the head of the fjord near the river deltas. Species reported as new to SW Greenland are: the polychaetes Branchiomaldane la-bradorensis, Leaenea ebranchiata, Baffinia hesslei, Streblosoma intestinale, the copepod parasite Learnea albusand the ascidians Ascidiacf. tritanti, Molgulacf. kiaeri.

Key wards:

• SW Greenland
• epifauna
• ikaite
• Arctic carbonate reefs