Spatial variability in the trophic ecology and biology of the deep-sea shrimp Aristaeomorpha foliacea in the Mediterranean Sea

摘要: Abstract The trophic ecology, energy and reproductive states of the deep-water shrimp Aristaeomorpha foliacea , widely distributed along slopes Mediterranean Sea Basins, were analysed in eight areas spread ca. 3000 km order to identify patterns habitat conditions supporting species. From W E situated between north side Eivissa (39°12′N, 1°20′E, Balearic Basin) off Mersin, Turkey (36°15′N, 34°19′E, Levantine Sea). Trends identified mainly as a function longitude from west east were: (i) higher δ 15 N, parallel N shifts top 200 m water column for particulate organic ( Pantoja et al., 2002 ). trend indicates that deep web, i.e. A. at 400–600 m, reflects signal photic zone; (ii) similar significant 13 C, related with exploitation pelagic versus benthic resources by each area (i.e. local variability terrigenous inputs via submarine canyons). More depleted C was found mid-longitudes (Tyrrhenian Sicily Channel) linked consumption macroplankton prey Pasiphaea spp., euphausiids mesopelagic fishes). feeding intensity (gut fullness, F ) diversity J related, according generalized linear models, temperature salinity intermediate waters, variables turn associated latitude longitude. Both greater density. optimal ecological appears be located Tyrrhenian Channel, where we highest greatest best biological condition hepato-somatic index, HSI). These are also densities . In contrast, western (Balearic Basin southern Islands), has low densities, showed generally lower values indicators condition.