Determination of average individual dry weights and ash-free dry weights in different sieve fractions of marine meiofauna

Abstract

Individual dry weights and ash-free dry weights for different meiofauna taxa from two soft bottom localities (31 and 117 m depth) in Gullmar Fjord on the Swedish west coast were determined. Samples from August 1980 and February 1981 of about 100 to 600 formalin-preserved specimens of each of the different taxa from each of four sieve fractions were weighed on a microbalance. Individual dry weights ranging from 0.12 μg (nematodes in the 0.040-mm fraction) to 172 μg (polythalamous, arenaceous Foraminifera in the 0.500-mm fraction) and ash-free dry weights ranging from 0.10 μg (nematodes in the 0.040-mm fraction) to 37 μg (polychaetes in the 0.500-mm fraction) were obtained. Great similarities were noted between corresponding values from the two stations as well as between summer and winter values. The percentage of organic matter, determined by ashing, in the body weight differed greatly among taxa. Some standard individual dry weight and ash-free dry weight values, to be used for re-calculation of abundance values into biomass, are presented.