Citation: Minchin, D. 1987 Swiftia pallida Madsen (Coelenterata: Gorgonacea) in Irish waters, with a note on Pseudanthessius thorelli (Brady) (Crustacea: Copepoda) new to Ireland. Irish Naturalists' Journal 22: 183-185
Number of Pages: 3
Volume Part: 5
Keywords: Benthos, Biogeography, Cnidaria, Copepoda, Crustacea, Fauna, Kerry, Marine, Marine Inlet
Abstract: Near the entrance to Kilmakilloge harbour in 'Kenmare River' on the southwest coast of Ireland hundreds of indiviual colonies of Swiftia pallida were found in shallow water (16-20 m). Densities estimated at up to 3 per square m were attached to varying substrata (e.g. bedrock, coarse pebbles, coarse shell sand). In the immediate area silt deposits were evident on rocks and boulders. There was little algal cover apart from crustose algae. Observations were made by diving using conventional SCUBA equipment. Samples of S. pallida removed at holdfast with knife and preserved in ethanol. Copepods were found in jars of preserved S. pallida.