Other subtidal molluscs on unconsolidated or intermediate substrate

Long description

Subtidal molluscs forming shellfish reefs on unconsolidated or intermediate structure (including Siliquariid worm shell reefs and other non-oyster molluscs). This ecosystem includes shellfish reefs, notably worm-shells capable of forming reefs include different families of molluscs (Vermetidae and Siliquariidae).

The family Siliquariidae is a group of sessile (attached) gastropod snails. The shells form a series of uncoiled whorls that intermesh into a thicket growth form. These colonies comprise living and dead gastropod tubes from the family Siliquariidae (probably Tenagodus cumingii) and are commensals living in close association with sponge (possibly family Irciniidae, class Demospongiae, order Dictyoceratida) (John Healy, Queensland Museum, pers. comm.). The mounds form a substrate of intermediate consolidation.

Other ecosystem-forming shellfish which may occur subtidally include razor clams Pinna bicolor (forming reefs to tens of metres depth) and Pinna albina sugillata, and hairy mussels Trichomya hirsuta.

Special values

The Siliquariid reefs create structure on a sandy bottom and are very biodiverse, attracting a variety of large and small fish and sharks.

Diagnostic attributes

Inundation 'Subtidal'

Structural macrobiota 'Molluscs – other' (i.e. not oysters or scallops)

Consolidation 'Unconsolidated', 'Intermediate', 'Unknown'

Qualifiers

Although qualifiers are unmapped, potentially these mollusc reefs are delicate and are vulnerable to trawl and anchoring impacts and so the Naturalness qualifier is relevant.

Distribution

Subtidal shellfish reefs formed by taxa other than oysters are exceedingly rare. In eastern Australia they are only known in a very restricted area off Rooney’s Point, north-west of Fraser Island, however these unique reefs are also found in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and south-east Asia. Other Siliquariid reefs are known from other parts of the world.

The following relates to distribution of this ecosystem type within the Central Queensland mapping area:

• In Central Queensland, the only known eastern Australia ecosystem is in a restricted area off Rooney’s Point, north-west of Fraser Island. In 2010, QPWS conducted a survey of the site, identifying approximately 25 individual colonies in a very restricted area no more than 500 metres in circumference. Georeferenced sidescan sonar images were taken of the surrounding area, enabling polygons to be mapped.
• Isolated razor clam beds may be present within dominant seagrass meadows.

Comments

None.

Additional Information

Great Sandy Marine Park Regional Profile: Central and Eastern Hervey Bay - Queensland Government

Last updated: 22 July 2019