Benthic assemblages on artificial pyramids along the Central and Northern Adriatic Italian coasts

Benthic assemblages living on Tecnoreef pyramids off Scadovari (Po River delta, Veneto region) and Pedaso (Marche region) were investigated three years after their deployment. Even though analysed artificial reefs had same material, depth and age, their benthic assemblages were significantly different. Scadovari assemblages were characterized by Sabellaria spinulosa and Epizoanthus sp. which could take advantage of the high water turbidity, sedimentation rete and nutrient load due to the closeness of the Po river mouth. Mytilus galloprovincialis could provide habitat for Corophium acherusicum on Pedaso reefs.