Diversity and distribution of Porifera in the bathyal and abyssal Weddell Sea and adjacent areas

摘要: Abstract During the ANDEEP I–III expeditions, we obtained a rich and highly diverse sponge collection from deep Weddell Sea. All three Poriferan classes, Calcarea, Demospongiae Hexactinellida, were well represented. Among this material, have identified total of 76 species 47 genera 30 families. Of these, 17 (22%) are new to science 37 (49%) for Southern Ocean. Particularly remarkable is considerable depth boundary between bathyal abyssal faunas. Both Hexactinellida show strong shift in their taxonomic composition typical shelf assemblage more cosmopolitan deep-sea fauna at around 2500 m. Within Demospongiae, families Polymastiidae Cladorhizidae (carnivorous sponges) particularly abundant very diverse. The Calcarea recorded first time Antarctic sea. type sampling gear used, especially epibenthic sledge, was an important factor successful sponges during campaigns.