Deep-water fish assemblages in the central-western Mediterranean (south Sardinian deep-waters)

This paper explores structure and spatial distribution of fish assemblages in an area of the central-western Mediterranean Sea (south Sardinian deep-waters) at depths between 546 and 1598 m. A total of 67 species (12 chondrichthyes and 55 teleosteans) were sampled. Multivariate analysis showed a clear pattern of zonation. Three main assemblages were identified within the vertical range investigated: the first situated in the shallower area between 546 and 699 m, the second group between 720 and 1099 m, and the third between 1145 and 1598 m. Abundance values declined with increasing depth. Highest biomass values were found at depths of 720-1099 m with the presence of larger species such as Galeus melastomus, Mora moro, Trachyrhynchus scabrus and Alepocephalus rostratus. Species richness decreased with depth. The deepest bottoms of the central-western Mediterranean Sea shelter an ichthyofauna dominated by small to medium-sized species living in a food-scarce environment in which some large mobile fishes are widespread.