Sublittoral attached epifaunal development in Buzzards Bay,Massachusetts

Summary Sixteen epifaunal species are identified encrusting dead valves of Mercenaria mercenaria, Mya arenaria, and Aequipecten irradians exposed for one year on the bottom of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.The three most common cheilostomatous bryozoans are Schizoporella unicormis, S. biaperta, and Parasmittina trispinosa.Balanus (Balanus) amphitrite neveus demonstrates a preferred orientation of the rostro-carinal axis parallel to the growth lines of Mercenaria mercenaria, Mya arenaria and Aequipecten irradians.No preference for difference bivalve shells is apparent in any of the epifauna examined. The lesser abundance of most species on Mercenaria mercenaria valves may be due to the more rapid burial of these heavier valves in shifting sediments of the study area.