An association between a cusk eel (Bassozetus sp.) and a black coral (Schizopathes sp.) in the deep western Indian Ocean
Marine Biodiversity Records
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: External Repository
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Detailed observations in the deep sea can reveal previously unknown behaviour, species interactions and fine-scale habitat heterogeneity. Here, the first in situ images of the black coral Schizopathes sp. (Anthozoa: Antipatharia) in the deep western Indian Ocean have been obtained from remotely operated vehicle video footage and time-lapse photography. In these images, there appears to be an association with the cusk eel Bassozetus (Family: Ophidiidae). In the primary observation, chance encounters revealed the fish interacted with the anitpatharian on multiple occasions over several days. Subsequent time-lapse camera footage showed the fish remained almost exclusively underneath the antipatharian for the duration of a 30-h deployment. Excursions from the cover of the antipatharian were for less than 2 min. The primary observation is supported by two similar encounters in the same region. Observed reduction in the tail-beat frequency of the fish under the antipatharian suggests reduced energy requirements for the ophidiid in this position. The observations demonstrate the role that even individual coral colonies play as a source of three-dimensional structure, providing habitat heterogeneity in the deep sea.
Suggested Citation
Gates, A.R., Morris, K., Jones, D.O., Sulak, K.J., 2016, An association between a cusk eel (Bassozetus sp.) and a black coral (Schizopathes sp.) in the deep western Indian Ocean: Marine Biodiversity Records, v. 47, no. 3, p. 971-977, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-016-0516-z.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | An association between a cusk eel (Bassozetus sp.) and a black coral (Schizopathes sp.) in the deep western Indian Ocean |
| Series title | Marine Biodiversity Records |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12526-016-0516-z |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication Date | June 28, 2016 |
| Year Published | 2016 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Springer |
| Contributing office(s) | Wetland and Aquatic Research Center |
| Description | 7 p. |
| First page | 971 |
| Last page | 977 |
| Other Geospatial | Indian Ocean |