10.3389/fmars.2019.00307.s004
Paris V. Stefanoudis
Paris V.
Stefanoudis
Erika Gress
Erika
Gress
Joanna M. Pitt
Joanna M.
Pitt
Struan Robertson Smith
Struan Robertson
Smith
Todd Kincaid
Todd
Kincaid
Molly Rivers
Molly
Rivers
Dominic A. Andradi-Brown
Dominic A.
Andradi-Brown
Gwilym Rowlands
Gwilym
Rowlands
Lucy C. Woodall
Lucy C.
Woodall
Alex D. Rogers
Alex D.
Rogers
Image_1_Depth-Dependent Structuring of Reef Fish Assemblages From the Shallows to the Rariphotic Zone.jpg
Frontiers
2019
mesophotic coral ecosystem
fish assemblage structure
reef connectivity
deep reef refuge hypothesis
Bermuda
2019-06-07 12:11:38
Figure
https://frontiersin.figshare.com/articles/figure/Image_1_Depth-Dependent_Structuring_of_Reef_Fish_Assemblages_From_the_Shallows_to_the_Rariphotic_Zone_jpg/8242262
<p>Shallow coral reef ecosystems worldwide are affected by local and global anthropogenic stressors. Exploring fish assemblages on deeper reefs is therefore important to examine their connectivity, and to help understand the biodiversity, ecology, distinctiveness, evolutionary history and threats in this sparsely studied environment. Conducting visual surveys on the Bermuda slope and a nearby seamount at depths from 15 to 300 m, we document decreasing fish biomass and diversity with increasing depth. Fish assemblages were primarily depth-stratified, with distinct suites of species inhabiting shallow (<30 m depth) and upper (60 m) and lower (90 m) mesophotic coral ecosystems, and confirming the presence of a distinct rariphotic (∼150–300 m) assemblage. We also report evidence of anthropogenic pressures throughout our surveyed depths. Our results highlight the novelty of deeper reef fish faunas, therefore suggesting limited applicability of the deep reef refuge hypothesis, and showcase the vulnerability of deep reefs to targeted fishing pressure and invasive species.</p>