Two polychaete species bordering deep anoxic waters in the Black Sea

Abstract

Ecology of two small polychaete species, Vigtorniella zaikai and Protodrilus sp., found in the Black Sea deep waters is described. Data on distribution of larval (pelagic) and adult (benthic) stages of the both species show that the polychaetes inhabit narrow bordering zone between upper oxygenated and lower sulphur-contaminated anoxic waters. These two species may be used as bioindicators of contact zone between pelagic oxycline and the bottom.