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Interactions between fish species on seamount coral habitat

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Abstract

The behaviour of the scorpionfish Helicolenus dactylopterus and Pontinus kuhlii towards the zooplanktivores Anthias anthias and Callanthias ruber are described from rare in situ remote-operated vehicle (ROV) observations. The events were recorded by ROV SP on gorgonian habitats of Dentomuricea meteor and Viminella flagellum, at the summit of Condor seamount (212–223 m; Azores, Northeast Atlantic). Behaviour in both species included approaching the zooplanktivores from a sitting position, orientating the snout in front of the object and swimming in a straight line. After an initial slow displacement, it follows an adduction of dorsal, pectoral and anal fins and an increase in speed, occasionally accompanied of a burst swim. H. dactylopterus can reach up to 0.8 m above the seafloor, departing from more than 1.5m distance; P. kuhlii was observed only on one occasion, chasing A. anthias from 0.64-m distance, with average swimming velocities of 1–2 m/s. The possibility of predatory or agonistic behaviour is discussed, with more evidence being gathered towards the former, representing a possible linkage between the pelagic and the benthic realm.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge Fernando Tempera, Telmo Morato, Christopher Pham and other scientific personal involved in the collection of data, including the ROV SP pilot Renato Bettencourt and the R/S Águas Vivas crew. Two anonymous referees for critically contributing to improve the first version of this manuscript. IMAR-DOP/UAz is Research and Development unit no. 531 and LARSyS-Associated Laboratory no. 9 funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through FCT—Pest/OE/EEI/LA0009/2013—Projecto Estratégio LA 9 (LARSyS)—2011-2014) and by the Azores Directorate for Science and Technology (DRCT). Surveys and data analysis have been supported by projects CORALFISH (FP7 ENV/2007/1/21314 4), CONDOR (EEA grants PT0040/2008) and Hermione (FP7 ENV/2008/1/226354). JNGP was supported by the doctoral grant from the Regional Directorate for Science, Technology and Communications (DRCTC) of the Regional Government of the Azores (M3.1.2/F/062/2011).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of IMAR of the University of the Azores & LARSyS Associate Laboratory, 9901-862, Horta, Azores, Portugal

    J. N. Gomes-Pereira, F. M. Porteiro & R. S. Santos

  2. Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of the Azores, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal

    J. N. Gomes-Pereira, F. M. Porteiro & R. S. Santos

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  1. J. N. Gomes-Pereira
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  2. F. M. Porteiro
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Correspondence to J. N. Gomes-Pereira.

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Gomes-Pereira, J.N., Porteiro, F.M. & Santos, R.S. Interactions between fish species on seamount coral habitat. acta ethol 17, 193–201 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-013-0176-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-013-0176-y

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