Dimensions (lenght, width) and dry mass of Nematoda and Copepoda living inside polymetallic nodule crevices

Polymetallic nodules were collected with box cores during R/V Sonne cruise SO268 and preserved in formaldehyde. On land, individual nodules were frozen at -20°C for 24 h to disintegrate the nodules and to release all crevice fauna. Nematode and Copepoda were extracted from the disintegrated nodule by sieving (32 µm mesh size) and centrifugation in a mixture of kaolin mud and levasil. Nematoda and Copepoda in the supernatant were extracted, mounted on microscopy slides and the body size (length, width; in µm) was measured. Dry mass of Nematoda and Copepoda (in µg) was calculated following conversion factors by Warwick & Gee (1984).