Deep-sea fish distribution varies between seamounts: results from a seamount complex off New Zealand.

ABSTRACT: Fish species data from a complex of seamounts off New Zealand termed the "Graveyard Seamount Complex' were analysed to investigate whether fish species composition varied between seamounts. Five seamount features were included in the study, with summit depths ranging from 748-891 m and elevation from 189-352 m. Measures of fish species dominance, rarity, richness, diversity, and similarity were examined. A number of factors were explored to explain variation in species composition, including latitude, water temperature, summit depth, depth at base, elevation, area, slope, and fishing effort. Depth at base and slope relationships were significant with shallow seamounts having high total species richness, and seamounts with a more gradual slope had high mean species richness. Species similar

SUBMITTER: Tracey DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3380042 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature