Ecological observations on a population of the Mediterranean gorgonianParamuricea clavata(Risso, 1826)

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Abstract
The gorgonian Paramuricea clavata grows below 29 m water depth in a station located at the northern entrance of the Strait of Messina. Colonies are randomly spaced, and show an abrupt change in orientation below 36 m depth. A turbulence zone caused by the current flowing downslope along the bottom is likely to be the main factor responsible for the 90° change in orientation. The relationship between growth and development of a fan was investigated in terms of change of fractal dimension. The latter gradually evolves in complexity with age, suggesting that a high fractality could set a limit to the life span of the species.