Diversity and composition of demersal fishes along a depth gradient assessed by baited remote underwater stereo-video.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Continental slopes are among the steepest environmental gradients on earth. However, they still lack finer quantification and characterisation of their faunal diversity patterns for many parts of the world.

Methodology/principal findings

Changes in fish community structure and diversity along a depth gradient from 50 to 1200 m were studied from replicated stereo baited remote underwater video deployments within each of seven depth zones at three locations in north-eastern New Zealand. Strong, but gradual turnover in the identities of species and community structure was observed with increasing depth. Species richness peaked in shallow depths, followed by a decrease beyond 100 m to a stable average value from 700 to 1200 m. Evenness increased to 700 m depth, follow

SUBMITTER: Zintzen V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3485343 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature