MACROBENTHIC ASSOCIATES OF BIOHERMS OF THE POLYCHAETE SABELLARIA-CEMENTARIUM FROM NORTHERN PUGET-SOUND, WASHINGTON

Bioherms of Sabellaria cementarium Moore, 1906 were examined as the ha bitat of a diversified community in northern Puget Sound, Washington. Aggregations of around 3500 tubes/m(2) were found 15-40 m below the su rface, in the aphotic zone. A rich assemblage of macrobenthos finds re fuge and food in this habitat, which favors most organisms (especially those leading a sedentary life). The community seems stable and is co mposed of a unique fauna, which differs greatly from the species colle cted from adjacent habitats with diverse substrates.